Conversation: How to Speak with Wisdom and Grace

Posted on April 8, 2025 by Mark Cole

Scripture:
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” — Colossians 4:6 (NLT)

Have you ever met someone who just knows how to say the right thing at the right time—someone whose words feel like cool water on a hot day? That’s the kind of conversation Paul urges us to have as followers of Christ.

In this short verse, Paul gives a powerful challenge to those of us who desire to reflect Jesus in our daily interactions. Our words—spoken or written—carry immense weight. They can heal or harm, bless or break, invite or isolate.

So how do we develop conversations that are wise, gracious, and attractive?

1. Start with a Heart Full of Grace

Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). If we want our conversations to overflow with grace, it begins in our hearts.

  • Spend time with Jesus daily. Let His grace shape your attitude and tone.
  • Pray before you speak. Especially in tough conversations. A 10-second prayer can change your next 10 minutes.

📝 Tip: Try praying Psalm 19:14 each morning: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord.”

2. Speak with Kindness and Clarity

Being gracious doesn’t mean being vague or weak. You can speak truth boldly and still be kind. In fact, grace and truth work best together.

  • Avoid sarcasm, passive-aggressiveness, and cutting remarks.
  • Use words that build others up, not tear them down (Ephesians 4:29).
  • Practice the “24-hour rule”—if you’re angry, wait 24 hours before replying.

🎯 Remember: Being “attractive” in speech doesn’t mean manipulative or flattering. It means your words are gracious, helpful, and worth listening to.

3. Be a Good Listener

Great conversation isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how well you listen.

  • Ask thoughtful questions. Don’t just wait for your turn to talk.
  • Listen for understanding, not just for rebuttal.
  • Be curious about people. Every person has a story worth hearing.

👂 Proverbial wisdom: “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” — Proverbs 12:15

4. Season Your Words with Salt

Salt was used in Paul’s time to preserve and enhance flavor. Your words should do the same—bringing wisdom, insight, and spiritual depth.

  • Speak life. When someone is discouraged, be the one to bring hope.
  • Offer godly counsel when asked, but always with humility and love.
  • Don’t be afraid to use humor, stories, or metaphors—Jesus did!

🧂 “Seasoned with salt” means our words should be flavorful, not bland; lasting, not forgettable.

5. Tailor Your Words for the Moment

Colossians 4:6 ends with this line: “…so that you will have the right response for everyone.” That implies listening well and understanding the moment.

  • Some people need encouragement; others need truth.
  • A child, a friend, a critic, or a seeker may each need a different tone.
  • Ask God for discernment: “Lord, what does this person really need right now?”

🛠️ James 1:5 promises wisdom if we ask. God’s Spirit can guide your response.

6. Practice Makes Progress

Like any skill, wise and gracious conversation takes practice.

  • Reflect after conversations: “Did I represent Christ well?”
  • Ask trusted friends or mentors for feedback on your tone or timing.
  • Read Proverbs—God’s original book of wisdom on how to talk!

💡 Growth doesn’t come from perfection, but from consistency.

Final Thoughts

You might not always get it right. None of us do. But a lifestyle of gracious, attractive conversation is one of the most powerful ways to reflect Jesus to a watching world.

Let your words be like a porch light—welcoming, warm, and shining in the dark.

Reflection Questions:

  • Is there someone I need to apologize to for ungracious words?
  • Where do I struggle most—listening, tone, timing, or truth?
  • What kind of words do people hear most often from me?

Downloadable pdf of this teaching.

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Following Jesus: Daily Surrender, Eternal Gain

Posted on April 7, 2025 by Mark Cole

“If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow Me.
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it.
But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it.
And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?”
— Luke 9:23–25 (NLT)

There are few statements Jesus made that are more challenging—or more life-giving—than this one.

It’s not a casual invitation.
It’s a call to a radical way of living: a daily surrender, a lifelong journey, and an eternal reward.

1. Give Up Your Own Way

The End of Self-Rule

Jesus begins with a bold demand: “Give up your own way.”

That’s not easy in a world that constantly says, “You do you.”
But following Jesus requires surrendering control—laying down our plans, priorities, and preferences.

Our gifts and passions still matter—but they must be submitted to Him.
This surrender isn’t a one-time event; it’s a daily choice.

Every morning we must decide:
Will I follow my way—or His?

2. Take Up Your Cross Daily

The Cost of Obedience

The cross is not just a symbol of suffering—it’s a symbol of purpose.

When Jesus says to “take up your cross daily,” He’s calling us to obedience, even when it’s uncomfortable.

This might mean:

  • Forgiving someone who wronged you.
  • Serving when you’d rather be served.
  • Speaking truth with grace.
  • Loving when it’s not easy.
  • Giving when it costs something.

The cross is not about punishment—it’s about dying to self so that Christ can live through us.

3. Follow Me

The Call to Imitate Christ

Jesus doesn’t invite us to follow a religion or a set of rules.
He invites us to follow Him—the living, risen Savior.

To follow Jesus is to walk in His steps:

  • Love like He loved.
  • Pray like He prayed.
  • Trust like He trusted.
  • Obey like He obeyed.

We don’t follow at a distance—we follow in relationship, growing more like Him every day.

4. Lose Your Life… and You’ll Save It

The Paradox of the Kingdom

This is one of the great paradoxes of Christianity:

“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it.”

The more tightly we cling to our own plans, the more empty and anxious we feel.

But when we lay it all down—when we surrender our lives to Jesus—we find a life fuller and freer than we ever imagined.

5. What Does It Profit…?

The Danger of the World’s Success

Jesus asks a haunting question:

“What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?”

It’s a wake-up call in a world obsessed with money, fame, comfort, and control.

You can gain everything the world offers… and still lose your soul.

Let this be a heart check:

  • What are you chasing?
  • What’s consuming your time and energy?
  • Is it worth it?

The Invitation Today

Jesus’ invitation is still open.

Follow Me.
Not once. Daily.
Not casually. Completely.

Give up your way.
Pick up your cross.
Follow Him—and find the life your soul longs for.

💭 Reflection Questions:

  1. What part of my life am I still holding onto instead of surrendering to Jesus?
  2. What does “taking up my cross daily” look like in my current season?
  3. Am I chasing anything that risks my soul’s well-being?
  4. How is Jesus calling me to follow Him more closely this week?
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What Modern Christians Can Learn from the Battle of Jericho

Posted on April 7, 2025 by Mark Cole

“When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it.”
— Joshua 6:20 (NLT)

The story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho is one of the most unforgettable scenes in the Old Testament. Picture it: a fortified city with walls so thick and high, no one thought they could be breached—and God tells His people to march around it quietly, then shout.

It sounds almost absurd… until it works.

But beyond the drama of the moment, this story holds timeless wisdom for followers of Jesus today. Many of us are facing our own “Jerichos”—obstacles, impossibilities, or overwhelming situations—and this ancient battle reminds us how God brings victory in ways that defy our expectations.

Here are seven key lessons modern Christians can take from Jericho:

1. God’s Ways Are Not Our Ways

God gave Joshua a battle plan that made no sense militarily: march, be silent, blow horns, then shout. It was a test of faith and obedience.

Takeaway: God doesn’t always work the way we expect. He may lead us in unfamiliar or even uncomfortable ways, not to confuse us—but to build our trust.

2. Obedience Unlocks Breakthrough

The walls didn’t fall after one day. The Israelites had to obey God’s instructions completely. Every step of obedience moved them closer to the miracle.

Takeaway: Sometimes, your breakthrough is on the other side of simple, faithful obedience. Don’t stop marching just because you haven’t seen the wall move yet.

3. Praise Comes Before the Victory

They shouted in faith, not in response to the wall falling—but in anticipation that it would.

Takeaway: Praise is a powerful act of spiritual warfare. Don’t wait to thank God until after the breakthrough—praise Him in advance.

4. God Fights the Battles

The fall of Jericho wasn’t because Israel had superior strength—it was God’s power that brought the walls down.

Takeaway: What you’re facing may be bigger than you, but it’s not bigger than God. The battle belongs to Him—you just need to show up in faith.

5. Unity Matters

The people marched together. They obeyed together. They shouted together.

Takeaway: God moves through a unified people. In your church, your worship team, or your family—work together, pray together, believe together.

6. Waiting is Not Wasting

Imagine marching for six days and seeing nothing change. It must have felt tedious, maybe even pointless. But it wasn’t.

Takeaway: Just because you don’t see instant results doesn’t mean God isn’t working. Trust the process. Keep walking.

7. God Keeps His Promises

Jericho was the first step into the Promised Land—a fulfillment of what God had promised generations earlier.

Takeaway: God hasn’t forgotten His promises to you. What He began, He will finish—in His perfect time.

Final Encouragement

Maybe you’re facing something that feels like a Jericho—huge, immovable, impossible. Let this story remind you:

✅ God can bring walls down that you can’t.
✅ He uses obedience and worship to prepare you for victory.
✅ He still fights for His people.

So keep walking. Keep believing. Keep praising.

Your Jericho doesn’t stand a chance against the presence of God.

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Jesus and the Kingdom of God: What He Taught and Why It Still Matters

Posted on April 6, 2025 by Mark Cole

“He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.”
— Luke 9:11 (NIV)

This simple verse captures the essence of Jesus’ earthly mission:
He welcomed the people, taught them about the Kingdom, and healed the sick. But what exactly did He teach when He talked about the Kingdom of God?

The Kingdom wasn’t just a passing theme—it was the heart of Jesus’ message. And today, more than ever, His words about the Kingdom offer hope, challenge, and life.

1. The Kingdom Is Here—and Still Coming

Jesus shocked His audience by proclaiming that the Kingdom wasn’t only in the future—it had already begun.

“The kingdom of God is in your midst.”
— Luke 17:21

Wherever Jesus went, the power of God broke in. Sickness fled, sins were forgiven, and lives were restored. This was the now of the Kingdom. Yet, Jesus also pointed to a future day when the Kingdom would come in full, bringing complete restoration.

2. The Kingdom Belongs to the Poor and the Humble

The Kingdom of God isn’t built on status, power, or wealth. Instead, it’s a home for the humble, the hurting, and the hungry.

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”
— Luke 6:20

Jesus constantly lifted up the lowly—those who knew their need for God and came to Him in faith. The door to the Kingdom opens to those with empty hands and open hearts.

3. The Kingdom Requires Repentance and Childlike Trust

Jesus made it clear: entering the Kingdom starts with a turning of the heart—a surrender to God’s will.

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
— Luke 18:17

It takes humility to repent and faith to trust. The Kingdom isn’t earned; it’s received.

4. The Kingdom Reverses the World’s Values

In God’s Kingdom, everything looks different. The proud are brought low, and the meek are lifted up. Those who cling to religion or riches miss it, while those who know their spiritual poverty are welcomed in.

“What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.”
— Luke 16:15

Jesus came to upend the world’s priorities—and to invite us to do the same.

5. The Kingdom Costs Everything—But It’s Worth It

Jesus never sugar-coated the cost of following Him. Entering the Kingdom might mean letting go of comfort, reputation, or even relationships. But what we gain is far greater.

“No one who has left home… for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”
— Luke 18:29–30

The Kingdom is worth it. Always.

6. The Kingdom Grows Quietly—but Powerfully

Jesus used parables of mustard seeds and yeast to describe the Kingdom’s quiet power. Though it starts small, it cannot be stopped.

“It is like a mustard seed… it grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”
— Luke 13:19

God’s Kingdom is growing—in hearts, in churches, in cities, and nations. And one day, it will fill the earth.

So, Why Does This Matter Today?

Because the Kingdom of God isn’t just an idea—it’s an invitation. Jesus is still welcoming people, still teaching, still healing. His message hasn’t changed.

The Kingdom is here, and it’s coming. It’s for you, but it will cost you. And in Jesus, you can find life that never ends.

💬 Reflection Questions:

  • Have I truly entered the Kingdom of God through repentance and faith in Jesus?
  • Am I living by the values of His Kingdom—or the values of this world?
  • What would it look like to seek His Kingdom first this week?

🙏 Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for welcoming me into Your Kingdom. Help me to live under Your rule, to trust You like a child, and to reflect Your values in everything I do. Let Your Kingdom come in my life, my family, and my church. Amen.

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Prosper and Succeed — The Life-Changing Power of God’s Word

Posted on April 6, 2025 by Mark Cole

Text: Joshua 1:8
“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”

As Joshua prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, God didn’t give him a military strategy or a detailed political plan. Instead, He gave him a spiritual directive:
“Study this Book of Instruction continually… Meditate on it… Obey it.”

God knew that lasting success — the kind that brings peace, blessing, and fulfillment — doesn’t come from human wisdom or worldly tactics. It comes from knowing and living His Word.

1. Study the Word Continually

God told Joshua to study the Word continually. Not occasionally. Not just on Sabbaths. Continually. Why? Because our hearts, like our bodies, need daily nourishment. Just as we wouldn’t dream of going days without food, we shouldn’t go days without the Word.

Studying the Bible keeps us grounded in truth. It sharpens our discernment and helps us recognize lies — especially the subtle ones that creep into our thinking. As Paul later wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16).

2. Meditate on it Day and Night

Meditation is more than reading — it’s reflection. It’s taking a verse and letting it roll over in your mind and heart throughout the day. It’s pausing long enough to say, “Lord, what are You saying to me through this?”

Meditation turns the written Word into personal truth. It invites the Holy Spirit to speak, correct, comfort, and lead us.

Psalm 1 says the person who meditates on God’s Word day and night is like a tree planted by streams of water — always bearing fruit, never withering. That’s the kind of life God wants for us.

3. Obey Everything Written In It

Bible reading without obedience is like reading a map and never following the directions. God said, “Be sure to obey everything written in it.” Obedience is the bridge between hearing the Word and experiencing its promises.

Jesus echoed this when He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15). James put it even more plainly: “Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.” (James 1:22).

Obedience doesn’t earn God’s love — we already have that. But obedience brings alignment with His purposes. It positions us to receive His wisdom, peace, favor, and direction.

4. Then You Will Prosper and Succeed

Notice the order:

  1. Study.
  2. Meditate.
  3. Obey.
    Then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.

God isn’t promising a problem-free life. But He is promising a fruitful, purpose-filled life — one marked by eternal significance. True prosperity isn’t measured by money or fame, but by walking in step with the God who created us, saved us, and leads us forward.

Final Thoughts

If you want to live a life that honors God and impacts others — a life that prospers and succeeds in God’s eyes — build your days around the Word.

📖 Read it
🧠 Think about it
🙌 Live it out

Start today. Open your Bible with fresh eyes and a willing heart. Let the Word of God become the daily soundtrack of your life. It changed Joshua’s future. It can change yours too.

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The Touch That Changed Everything

Posted on April 5, 2025 by Mark Cole

Luke 8:43–48

She had been bleeding for twelve long years.

Twelve years of pain.
Twelve years of doctors.
Twelve years of being considered unclean.
Twelve years of isolation, disappointment, and desperation.

But then she heard about Jesus.

We don’t know how much she understood about Him. Maybe she had heard of His miracles, or maybe it was just a desperate hope that this man was different. All she knew was that if she could just get close—if she could just touch the edge of His robe—something might change.

And it did.

“Immediately the bleeding stopped.” (Luke 8:44)

This isn’t just a story of physical healing—it’s a revelation of who Jesus is and how He responds to our faith.

1. Jesus is accessible, even in a crowd.

Picture the scene: a mass of people pushing and shoving to get near Him. A synagogue leader is urgently pleading for Jesus to come heal his dying daughter. Everyone wants something from Him.

And yet, one silent, unnoticed woman reaches out—and Jesus stops.

He doesn’t overlook her. He doesn’t brush past her. He stops everything because one person touched Him in faith.

That tells me something incredible: you are never too small, too hidden, or too broken for Jesus to notice.

2. Faith doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful.

The woman didn’t cry out or ask for attention. She didn’t have a conversation with Jesus beforehand. She just believed quietly and acted boldly.

And Jesus responds to that kind of faith.

“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” (Luke 8:48)

Faith isn’t about perfect words—it’s about a heart that believes Jesus is enough. It’s about reaching out, even if you feel unworthy or afraid.

3. Jesus doesn’t just heal—He restores.

When Jesus calls her “Daughter,” it’s the only time in the Gospels He uses that word for someone. It’s intimate. It’s personal. It’s healing.

This woman had lived in the shadows, likely rejected by family and society because of her condition. But Jesus publicly calls her daughter. He restores her identity, her dignity, and her place in the community.

Jesus doesn’t just want to fix your problem. He wants to restore your soul.

4. Your story matters.

When Jesus asked, “Who touched Me?” He already knew. But He gave her the chance to come forward—to share her testimony.

And she did. Trembling, she told everyone what had happened. That moment of vulnerability turned into a moment of glory, as Jesus affirmed her faith and told her to go in peace.

Your story—your breakthrough—can encourage others. Don’t hide what God has done. Someone else may need the faith your story sparks.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dealing with pain, shame, loneliness, or just a long wait—you are not forgotten. You are not invisible.

Jesus sees you.
Jesus welcomes your faith.
Jesus can still be touched.

So don’t hold back.
Reach out to Him today.
Even the smallest touch of faith can change everything.

“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
—Jesus

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Knowing God Through the Song of Moses

Posted on April 5, 2025 by Mark Cole

“Look now; I myself am He!
There is no other god but Me!
I am the One who kills and gives life;
I am the One who wounds and heals;
no one can be rescued from My powerful hand!”
— Deuteronomy 32:39 (NLT)

Why Did Moses Leave a Song?

As Moses neared the end of his life, he didn’t simply leave behind instructions or a farewell speech—he left a song. A prophetic melody, rich with warning, hope, and the reality of who God is. It’s recorded in Deuteronomy 32—a chapter that deserves careful attention.

Why a song? Because songs stay with us. God, the ultimate Teacher, used music to write His truth on the hearts of His people. When truth is sung, it’s remembered, not just with the mind but with the soul. This wasn’t just a teaching—it was a spiritual anthem, meant to be passed from generation to generation.

Who Is This God?

In verse 39, God speaks in first person:

“I myself am He… there is no other god but Me…”

This is one of the most profound revelations of God’s identity in the Old Testament. Let’s break it down:

🔹 “I myself am He”

This is a declaration of divine identity. God isn’t relying on a prophet or an intermediary here—He is revealing Himself.

🔹 “There is no other god but Me”

This flies in the face of polytheism and idolatry. God is not one option among many. He is the only One. Sovereign, holy, and unmatched.

🔹 “I kill and give life; I wound and I heal”

This challenges modern comfort theology. God is not just a spiritual therapist; He is also Judge and King. He holds the power of life and death, the authority to discipline and to restore.

✨ We cannot understand the true God unless we receive both His mercy and His majesty, His grace and His holiness.

🔹 “No one can be rescued from My powerful hand”

This is not a threat to the faithful—it’s a comfort. No enemy, no trial, no failure can override His sovereign will. His hand is strong, and His purposes will prevail.

These Are Not Empty Words

At the close of this song, Moses urges:

“Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today… These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life…”
— Deuteronomy 32:46–47 (NLT)

This statement is striking. God’s words are not optional extras or religious poetry. They are your life.

Obedience isn’t legalism—it’s alignment with the heart of God. It’s saying, “I trust Your way more than mine.” The result? A life that’s not just long, but blessed, purposeful, and fruitful.

Application: Why This Song Still Matters

We’re living in noisy times—where countless voices compete for our loyalty and attention. But God still says:

“Look now… I myself am He.”

We must return to a deep, reverent knowing of who God is. Not the God of culture, opinion, or convenience—but the God of the Word, the God of the song, the God of Moses.

If you’re a worship leader, a teacher, a parent, or simply a follower of Jesus—you have a song to carry. A song of truth. A song of warning and hope. A song to remind your heart, and to pass down to others.

Because these are not empty words.

They are your life.

✍️ Reflection Questions:

  • Have I allowed culture to shape my view of God more than Scripture?
  • What “songs of truth” am I singing to my children, my team, or my church?
  • Am I living as though God’s Word is my very life?

If this encouraged you, feel free to share it—and maybe even take time to read or sing Deuteronomy 32 this week. God’s Word, in every season, is still our song.

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How to Become a Better Singer in 14 Days

Posted on April 5, 2025 by Mark Cole

Can you really become a better singer in just 14 days?

Absolutely. While you won’t turn into Whitney Houston or Andrea Bocelli overnight, you can make significant progress with focused, daily effort. Whether you’re preparing for a performance, joining a worship team, or just want to enjoy singing more confidently, these next two weeks can be a game-changer for your voice.

🎯 Daily Essentials: Your Non-Negotiables

Every day, set aside 30–45 minutes for the following:

  • 🎤 Vocal Warm-Ups (10–15 min): Lip trills, sirens, humming, five-tone scales
  • 🫁 Breath Control (5–10 min): Diaphragmatic breathing, slow inhales, “ssss” exhales
  • 🎵 Pitch Accuracy (10 min): Match pitch with piano or app, scales, and melodic patterns
  • 🎶 Song Practice (15–20 min): Focus on melody, phrasing, tone, and expression

🗓️ The 14-Day Singing Plan

Day 1–3: Build the Foundation

  • Work on breath support and posture
  • Sing simple songs you know well
  • Record yourself and listen kindly!

Day 4–6: Find Your Tone

  • Relax jaw, neck, and shoulders
  • Use “ng” humming and forward placement
  • Sing with clarity and projection

Day 7: Mini Performance Day

  • Perform a short song just for yourself
  • Record and reflect on your progress

Day 8–10: Add Emotion and Dynamics

  • Get louder/softer as the song requires
  • Add feeling and tell the story through your voice

Day 11–13: Power and Control

  • Add power using “Nay-nay-nay” and “Mum-mum-mum”
  • Blend chest and head voice smoothly

Day 14: Your Showcase Performance

  • Perform a full song with confidence
  • Record it — then compare to Day 1. You’ll be amazed!

💡 Pro Tips for Even Faster Progress

  • Hydrate constantly — your cords need moisture!
  • Get good sleep
  • Avoid shouting or whispering
  • Keep good posture
  • Listen to great singers and learn from them

🎁 Bonus: Want a Personalized Plan?

Everyone’s voice is different. If you’d like help choosing songs or warm-ups that fit your range and style, reach out — I’d love to help.

Your voice is an instrument, and you can improve it. Be consistent, sing boldly, and enjoy the journey!

Happy singing!

📥 Download the PDF version of this plan

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When Secrets Are No Longer Secrets

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Mark Cole

Luke 8:17 (NLT) – “For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all”

We live in a world obsessed with appearances. Carefully curated social media profiles, polished presentations, and public platforms make it easy to live one way on the outside while hiding another story on the inside. But Jesus reminds us that nothing stays hidden forever.

His words in Luke 8:17 are both a warning and a comfort—especially to those of us who serve in ministry.

1. A Sobering Warning

Jesus says this immediately after the parable of the sower—a teaching all about how we receive and respond to the Word of God. The implication is clear: our response to God’s truth will eventually be revealed.

The fruit—or lack of it—won’t stay hidden.

This is especially sobering for leaders. We’ve all seen headlines of respected pastors or worship leaders whose private lives eventually unraveled their public ministries. The warning is not about failure—God’s grace is more than enough for that. It’s about secrecy.

God doesn’t bless cover-ups—He blesses confession, humility, and truth.

If we ignore the quiet promptings of the Spirit today, we may face the louder consequences tomorrow.

2. An Encouragement for the Faithful

At the same time, this verse is deeply encouraging. For those who are quietly faithful—serving behind the scenes, living with integrity, sowing in tears—it’s a promise:

God sees. And He will reveal.

What you’ve done in secret, He will one day reward in the open.

Perhaps you’re in a season where no one notices your effort, your obedience, or your late-night prayers. Maybe you’ve prepared worship sets, discipled others, or served in ways that didn’t get applause. Jesus says: Nothing is wasted. Nothing is forgotten. It will all come to light.

3. Live in the Light Now

Jesus doesn’t say that secrets might come out. He says they will.

So here’s the invitation: Don’t wait for exposure—choose to walk in the light now.

  • Bring your heart before the Lord daily.
  • Confess sin quickly and honestly.
  • Surround yourself with people who love you enough to tell you the truth.
  • Let God’s Word examine your motives, not just your behavior.

1 John 1:7 tells us:

“If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin.”

Walking in the light brings freedom, not fear. That’s the grace of the gospel.

4. Application for Worship Leaders and Ministry Teams

If you’re involved in worship, teaching, or any form of leadership—this matters more than ever.

  • Your gifting might open doors, but your character keeps them open.
  • Don’t confuse public ministry with private maturity.
  • Choose to be the same person on stage, in meetings, and at home.

If your team culture is one of honesty, openness, and grace, you’ll thrive—not only musically but spiritually. And if you’re leading others, model this kind of integrity. Your team will follow your example far more than your instructions.

Final Thoughts

Jesus’ words in Luke 8:17 are not designed to shame us—but to free us.
They remind us to stop pretending and start walking in truth.

The world may be impressed with performance, but Jesus treasures authenticity.
Let’s live and lead in such a way that if everything were brought into the light tomorrow, we’d have nothing to hide—and everything to give thanks for.

Let’s walk in the light together.

– Mark

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A Life Well Lived: Choosing What Matters Most

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Mark Cole

“You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life.” – Deuteronomy 30:20 (NLT)

What makes a life truly well lived?

Is it a list of achievements, the wealth we’ve gathered, the places we’ve been, or even the legacy we leave behind? These all have value—but in Deuteronomy, Moses narrows it down to one profound truth: The key to your life is loving God, obeying Him, and staying committed to Him.

In other words, a life well lived is not complicated—it’s deeply rooted in a relationship with God.

1. Loving the Lord Your God

This is the foundation. It’s not about religion or rules, but about relationship. Loving God means walking daily in conversation with Him, trusting Him when life is uncertain, and pursuing His heart above all else.

Jesus reaffirmed this in Matthew 22:37 when He said the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.” Everything flows from this—our joy, our identity, our purpose.

Ask yourself often: Do I love Him more than anything or anyone else? A life well lived begins with loving God.

2. Obeying His Voice

In today’s crazy world, obeying God’s voice requires intentional listening. His Word gives us wisdom, correction, encouragement, and direction. Obedience isn’t about fear-based compliance—it’s about walking in alignment with the One who knows what’s best for us.

God’s commands are not burdensome—they’re life-giving. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

Each time we obey, even when it’s difficult, we plant seeds that grow into peace, integrity, and purpose.

3. Committing Yourself Firmly to Him

Life comes with seasons—mountaintops and valleys, joy and grief, clarity and confusion. What sustains us through all of it is commitment. A deep, settled decision that says: “I will follow Jesus, no matter what.”

This is more than just church attendance or spiritual disciplines (though those are important). It’s about being anchored to God through every season. When others drift, when culture shifts, when storms hit—you remain faithful.

Paul wrote near the end of his life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) That’s the testimony of a life well lived.

The Key to Your Life

Moses said it clearly: This is the key to your life. Not success. Not safety. Not being liked by everyone. The key is relationship with God. That’s what gives life meaning now, and hope for eternity.

So whether you’re 17 or 70, it’s never too early—or too late—to choose what matters most.

Choose life. Choose love. Choose obedience. Choose commitment.

That’s a life well lived.

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