Finding God in Hard Places

Posted on March 31, 2026 by Mark Cole

Then Jesus turned to His disciples and said:

“God blesses you who are poor,
for the Kingdom of God is yours.
God blesses you who are hungry now,
for you will be satisfied.
God blesses you who weep now,
for in due time you will laugh.”

At first glance, these words from Jesus feel upside down.

We naturally think:

  • Blessed are the strong
  • Blessed are the successful
  • Blessed are the full, the happy, the comfortable

But Jesus points in the exact opposite direction.

He says the blessed ones are the poor, the hungry, and the weeping.

Why? Because God does His deepest work in the places we usually try to escape.

1. Blessed Are the Poor: When You Know You Need God

Jesus isn’t glorifying poverty itself—He’s pointing to a posture of heart.

To be “poor” is to recognize your need.

It’s the person who says:
“I don’t have what it takes on my own.”

That’s the doorway to the Kingdom of God.

As long as we feel self-sufficient, we tend to keep God at a distance. But when we come to the end of ourselves, we finally make room for Him.

The truth is simple but confronting:
You don’t experience the Kingdom fully until you realize you can’t live without it.

2. Blessed Are the Hungry: When You Long for More

Hunger is uncomfortable. It creates a deep ache.

Jesus is describing people who are not satisfied with surface-level living—those who hunger for righteousness, for truth, for God Himself.

This isn’t casual interest. It’s a deep craving.

And here’s the promise:
“You will be satisfied.”

Not distracted.
Not temporarily filled.
Satisfied.

God responds to spiritual hunger. He fills those who truly seek Him.

If you feel that ache inside—the sense that there must be more—that’s not a problem.
That’s an invitation.

3. Blessed Are Those Who Weep: When Life Breaks You

We don’t associate weeping with blessing.

But Jesus does.

Why?

Because sorrow has a way of stripping away illusion. It brings clarity. It softens the heart. It drives us toward God in a way comfort never can.

There is a kind of laughter that only comes after tears—a deeper, fuller joy that has been tested and proven.

Jesus doesn’t say you’ll avoid sorrow.
He says sorrow won’t have the final word.

“In due time you will laugh.”

That’s a promise anchored in God’s faithfulness.

4. The Pattern of the Kingdom

Notice the pattern in Jesus’ words:

  • Present struggle
  • Future fulfillment
  • Poor → The Kingdom is yours
  • Hungry → You will be filled
  • Weeping → You will laugh

This is the rhythm of the Kingdom of God.

God often does His greatest work before the breakthrough, not after.

We want immediate results.
God is forming something eternal.

5. Living This Out Today

This passage challenges how we evaluate our lives.

You may feel:

  • Spiritually dry
  • Emotionally worn
  • Aware of your weaknesses

And Jesus says:
“You’re not disqualified—you’re positioned.”

Instead of resisting these seasons, bring them to God.

  • Let your need draw you closer
  • Let your hunger drive you deeper
  • Let your sorrow soften your heart

God meets people in these places.

Not when they have it all together—but when they know they don’t.

Closing Thought

The world says, “Blessed are those who have everything.”

Jesus says, “Blessed are those who need God.”

And if you’re honest, those seasons—when you felt poor, hungry, or broken—may have been the very times you encountered Him most deeply.

So don’t despise the hard seasons.

God is not absent in them.

He’s working in them.

And in His time,
He will satisfy,
He will restore,
and yes—
He will make you laugh again.

Posted in Bible, God, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Wine, New Wineskins: Why Many Christians Miss What God Is Doing

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Mark Cole

Jesus’ words in Gospel of Luke 5:37–39 are as relevant today as they were when He first spoke them:

“New wine must be stored in new wineskins…
But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new… ‘The old is just fine,’ they say.”

At first glance, it sounds like a simple illustration. But in reality, it exposes one of the greatest spiritual dangers for Christians—not rebellion, but resistance to change.

1. God Is Always Moving—But Not Always the Same Way

Throughout Scripture, God is consistent in His nature—but creative in His methods.

  • He spoke through burning bushes… then through prophets
  • He led Israel with pillars of cloud and fire… then through kings
  • He established the Law… then fulfilled it through Christ

And when Jesus came, many missed Him—not because they didn’t love God, but because He didn’t fit their expectations.

That same danger exists today.

We can be deeply committed to God—and still struggle to recognize what He’s doing right now.

2. The Danger of “Old Wineskins”

Old wineskins represent rigid ways of thinking, doing, and relating to God.

These aren’t necessarily bad things. In fact, they often start as good, even God-given practices:

  • Traditions that once brought life
  • Methods that once worked
  • Ways of thinking that once helped us grow

But over time, they can harden.

And when they do, they stop stretching.

So when God pours out “new wine”—fresh conviction, deeper truth, new direction—we resist it. Not because it’s wrong… but because it’s unfamiliar.

3. Why Christians Resist the New

Jesus puts His finger on the real issue:

“The old is just fine.”

That’s honest—and uncomfortable.

Most Christians don’t reject God outright. Instead, we:

  • Prefer what’s familiar
  • Stick with what’s worked
  • Protect what we’ve built

Change requires humility.
Growth requires letting go.
And that’s costly.

So we settle.

4. How This Shows Up Today

This isn’t theoretical—it plays out in everyday Christian life.

In Our Spiritual Lives

We rely on past experiences with God instead of seeking fresh encounters.

We say:

  • “I remember when God moved…”
    …but we’re not asking what He’s doing now.

In Our Understanding of Truth

We stop growing.

We assume:

  • “I already know this.”
  • “I’ve heard that before.”

But God’s truth is deep. There is always more to learn, more to apply, more to surrender.

In the Church

Churches can cling to:

  • Old methods
  • Familiar structures
  • Comfortable routines

Even when they’re no longer effective or life-giving.

The result?
They preserve the form—but lose the life.

In Relationships and Ministry

We can resist younger voices, new ideas, or different approaches.

Not because they’re wrong—but because they’re not how we would do it.

That’s often where the tension lies.

5. What Does a “New Wineskin” Look Like?

Jesus isn’t calling us to abandon everything old. He’s calling us to become the kind of people who can hold what’s new.

A new wineskin is:

  • Teachable – willing to learn and grow
  • Flexible – not locked into one way of doing things
  • Humble – aware that we don’t have it all figured out
  • Spirit-led – open to God’s direction, even when it’s uncomfortable

It’s not about chasing trends.
It’s about staying responsive to God.

6. The Cost of Refusing the New

Jesus gives a sobering warning:

If you pour new wine into old wineskins, you lose both.

In spiritual terms:

  • You miss what God is doing now
  • And what you had before begins to dry up

This is how people drift.

Not through sudden rebellion—but through slow resistance.

7. A Better Way Forward

There is a tension every believer must learn to live in:

  • Hold firmly to unchanging truth
  • Stay open to fresh movement

We don’t abandon the foundation.
But we don’t fossilize either.

Healthy Christians—and healthy churches—are both:

  • Rooted
  • Responsive

8. A Personal Question

This teaching becomes powerful when it becomes personal.

Ask yourself:

  • Where have I become rigid?
  • Where am I relying on the past instead of seeking God today?
  • Is there anything God is trying to do in me that I’m resisting?

Be honest.

Because the greatest barrier to new wine isn’t ignorance—it’s quiet satisfaction with the old.

Final Thought

God is not finished.

He is still speaking.
Still leading.
Still transforming lives.

The question is not whether God is pouring out new wine.

The question is:

Are you becoming the kind of person who can receive it?

Or are you quietly saying…

“The old is just fine.”

Posted in Bible, Church, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Leadership | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How To Overcome The Battle Of The Mind

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Mark Cole

The greatest battles you and I will ever fight are not out there—they are in here.

In the mind.

Long before actions are taken, words are spoken, or habits are formed, a quiet war is being fought in our thoughts. It’s a battle over truth, identity, fear, temptation, and faith. Win the battle in your mind, and you’ll see victory in your life. Lose it, and everything else becomes harder.

The good news? God has not left you unarmed.

1. Recognize That The Battle Is Real

You cannot win a battle you don’t acknowledge.

Scripture makes it clear:

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7)

Your thoughts shape your direction.

The enemy works subtly—through lies, discouragement, fear, comparison, and temptation. He doesn’t need to destroy you outright if he can simply influence how you think.

Pay attention to your inner dialogue. That’s where the battle is raging.

2. Identify The Lies

Most mental battles are fueled by lies we’ve come to believe:

  • “I’m not good enough.”
  • “Nothing will ever change.”
  • “God has forgotten me.”
  • “I’ll never overcome this.”

These thoughts may feel true—but feelings are not truth.

Jesus said:

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

Freedom begins when you expose the lie.

Ask yourself:
Is this thought aligned with what God says?

If not, it’s a lie—no matter how convincing it feels.

3. Replace Lies With Truth

It’s not enough to remove wrong thinking—you must replace it with right thinking.

Paul writes:

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

Renewing your mind is not a one-time event. It’s a daily discipline.

When a lie comes in, answer it with truth:

  • Lie: “I’m alone.”
    Truth: “God said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
  • Lie: “I’m weak.”
    Truth: “His strength is made perfect in my weakness.”
  • Lie: “I can’t overcome this.”
    Truth: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

You don’t drift into right thinking—you train your mind for it.

4. Take Every Thought Captive

This is where discipline comes in.

“Take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Not some thoughts. Every thought.

That means you don’t let your mind run unchecked. When a thought enters:

  • Examine it
  • Evaluate it
  • Either reject it or embrace it

If a thought doesn’t lead you toward faith, hope, purity, or truth—it doesn’t belong.

You have more control here than you think. But it takes effort.

5. Guard What You Feed Your Mind

Your mind is shaped by what you consistently consume.

If you fill it with negativity, fear, and impurity—don’t be surprised when your thoughts reflect that.

Paul gives us a filter:

“Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable… think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

That applies to:

  • What you watch
  • What you listen to
  • What you read
  • Who you spend time with

Be honest with yourself:
Is what I’m feeding my mind helping me win or lose the battle?

6. Build Strong Habits, Not Just Strong Moments

You don’t win the battle in one emotional moment—you win it through consistent habits.

  • Daily time in God’s Word
  • Prayer, even when you don’t feel like it
  • Speaking truth out loud
  • Worship that lifts your perspective

Small, faithful disciplines reshape your thinking over time.

The mind doesn’t change overnight—but it does change with repetition.

7. Lean On The Holy Spirit

This is not a battle you fight alone.

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would guide, teach, and remind you of truth.

Sometimes you won’t have the strength to fight a thought on your own—but the Spirit within you does.

When the battle intensifies, don’t just try harder—lean deeper.

Pray honestly:
“Lord, help me. My thoughts are not right—align them with Your truth.”

He will.

8. Be Patient, But Be Persistent

Here’s where many people quit—they expect instant victory.

But renewing your mind is a process.

Some thought patterns have been there for years. They won’t disappear in a day. But they will weaken if you consistently fight back with truth.

Don’t get discouraged by the struggle.

The very fact that you’re fighting means you’re moving forward.

Final Thought

The battle in your mind is real—but it is winnable.

Not by willpower alone.
Not by ignoring it.
But by confronting it with truth, discipline, and the power of God.

Every day, you have a choice:

  • Believe the lie… or stand on the truth
  • Let your thoughts drift… or take them captive
  • Feed your fears… or feed your faith

Choose wisely.

Because the direction of your life is being shaped—right now—by the thoughts you allow to stay.

And with God’s help, you can win this battle.

Posted in Bible, God, Healing, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Leadership, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

7 Things To Never Forget About God

Posted on March 29, 2026 by Mark Cole

In a culture that is constantly shifting, it’s easy to forget what should be unshakable. Life gets busy. Trials come. Emotions rise and fall. And in the middle of it all, our view of God can slowly drift if we’re not anchored in truth.

But there are some things about God you must never forget—truths that will steady your heart, strengthen your faith, and guide your life.

1. God Is Always Good

Even when life is not.

Circumstances can confuse us. Pain can cloud our perspective. But God’s goodness is not based on what we see—it’s based on who He is.

“The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation.” (Psalm 145:9)

You may not understand what He’s doing, but you can trust His heart.

2. God Is Always With You

You are never alone—not for a second.

In your best moments and your darkest valleys, God is present. He doesn’t come and go based on your performance or feelings.

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

You may feel alone, but you are not abandoned.

3. God Is Completely Faithful

God has never failed—and He never will.

People may let you down. Plans may fall apart. But God keeps every promise He makes.

“If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is.” (2 Timothy 2:13)

Your faith may waver, but His never does.

4. God Knows Exactly What He’s Doing

Even when your life feels confusing.

God sees the full picture—you only see a small part. What feels like a delay or detour may actually be His perfect plan unfolding.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts… and My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” (Isaiah 55:8)

You don’t need all the answers—you need trust.

5. God Loves You Deeply

More than you can fully grasp.

His love isn’t based on your success, your discipline, or your consistency. It’s rooted in His nature.

“For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love…” (Romans 8:38–39)

Even on your worst day, God’s love toward you has not changed.

6. God Is Worthy of Your Whole Life

Not just a portion.

God is not looking for part-time devotion. He is worthy of your full heart, your full obedience, your full surrender.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

Half-hearted faith leads to a shallow life. Wholehearted devotion leads to a fruitful one.

7. God Is Not Finished Yet

Not with the world—and not with you.

No matter your age, your past, or your current situation, God is still at work. He is shaping you, using you, and preparing what’s ahead.

“And I am certain that God… will continue His work until it is finally finished.” (Philippians 1:6)

Your story isn’t over. God is still writing it.

Final Thought

If you remember these seven truths, they will carry you through almost anything life brings.

When you’re confused—remember His wisdom.
When you’re hurting—remember His goodness.
When you feel weak—remember His faithfulness.
When you feel distant—remember His presence.

Don’t let the noise of life make you forget what matters most.

Hold on to what is unchanging… and you will remain steady in a changing world.

Posted in Bible, God, Holy Spirit, Leadership, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How To Become The Best Version Of You

Posted on March 29, 2026 by Mark Cole

There’s a question many people quietly carry:
“How do I become the person I was meant to be?”

Whether you’ve followed Christ for years, or you’re just standing on the edge of faith, that question matters. Because deep down, you know there’s more—more purpose, more clarity, more strength, more peace.

The Bible teaches something both humbling and hopeful:
You don’t become your best self by trying harder—you become your best self by becoming who God created you to be.

Here’s how that journey begins and grows.

1. Start With A New Heart, Not Just A New Effort

Most people try to improve their lives from the outside in:

  • Try harder
  • Do better
  • Be nicer

But Scripture points us in a different direction—from the inside out.

Jesus didn’t come just to make bad people good. He came to make spiritually dead people alive.

When you turn to Him, something real happens:

  • Your heart begins to change
  • Your desires begin to shift
  • Your life begins to take a new direction

If you’re exploring faith, this is where it starts—not with performance, but with surrender.

2. Build Your Life On Truth

We live in a culture full of opinions, noise, and confusion. If you’re not anchored in truth, you’ll drift.

God’s Word becomes your foundation:

  • It shapes how you think
  • It corrects your direction
  • It gives clarity when life feels uncertain

For believers, this means daily time in Scripture.
For those considering faith, it means opening the Bible with an honest heart and asking, “God, show me what’s true.”

Truth is what transforms you—not trends, not feelings.

3. Walk With God Daily

Christianity isn’t just a belief system—it’s a relationship.

The best version of you is not independent and self-made. It’s deeply connected to God.

That connection grows through:

  • Prayer (honest conversation with God)
  • Worship
  • Listening for His voice

You don’t need perfect words. You just need a willing heart.

Over time, you’ll notice something:
You’re not walking through life alone anymore.

4. Choose Discipline Over Drift

Left on its own, life tends to drift:

  • Spiritually
  • Physically
  • Emotionally

Becoming who God created you to be requires intentional choices.

That includes:

  • Setting time aside for God
  • Taking care of your body
  • Being faithful in your responsibilities
  • Developing your gifts

This isn’t about earning God’s love—you already have that.
It’s about stewarding the life He’s given you.

5. Turn From What Holds You Back

The Bible uses a word many avoid today: repentance.

It simply means turning around—changing direction.

There are patterns, habits, and attitudes that will keep you from becoming who you’re meant to be:

  • Sin that pulls you away from God
  • Bitterness that hardens your heart
  • Pride that keeps you from growing

Turning from these things isn’t about shame—it’s about freedom.

God doesn’t expose things to condemn you, but to heal you.

6. Let God Shape Your Character

God is more interested in who you’re becoming than what you’re achieving.

He uses life—both good and hard—to shape you:

  • Trials build perseverance
  • Challenges deepen your faith
  • Waiting develops patience

This is where many people pull back. But if you stay engaged, something powerful happens:

You begin to reflect the character of Christ:

  • Love
  • Joy
  • Peace
  • Patience
  • Kindness

That’s the best version of you—not just successful, but transformed.

7. Don’t Walk Alone

You were never meant to do this by yourself.

Growth happens in community:

  • Church
  • Friendships
  • Mentorship

For believers, this means staying connected and accountable.
For those exploring faith, it means stepping into a community where you can ask questions and observe real lives being lived out.

Faith becomes clearer when you see it in others.

8. Live For Something Bigger Than Yourself

A self-focused life will always feel small.

God created you for more:

  • To love others
  • To serve
  • To make a difference

As you follow Him, your life begins to shift from “What do I get?” to “How can I give?”

That’s where real fulfillment is found.

9. Begin Today

You don’t need to have everything figured out.

If you’re already a believer:
Take the next step. Recommit. Go deeper.

If you’re standing on the edge of faith:
Take a step toward God. Talk to Him. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you.

The best version of you isn’t found in striving harder—it’s found in surrendering to the One who made you.

Final Thought

Becoming the best version of yourself is not about becoming someone else.

It’s about becoming:

  • Who God designed you to be
  • Who Christ is shaping you into
  • Who you were always meant to become

And that journey doesn’t start someday.

It starts today.

Posted in Bible, Church, God, Health, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Many Ways Jesus Healed People

Posted on March 28, 2026 by Mark Cole

When you read the Gospels, one thing becomes very clear: Jesus healed people in a wide variety of ways. He wasn’t limited to a single method, formula, or pattern. His healing ministry was personal, intentional, and often surprising.

That’s important for us. It reminds us that God is not mechanical—He’s relational. He meets people where they are, in ways that reveal His power, compassion, and authority.

Let’s look at the different ways Jesus healed people—and what we can learn from each one.

1. With a Simple Word

Sometimes Jesus healed with nothing more than a spoken word.

  • “Be healed.”
  • “Go, your faith has made you well.”
  • “Stretch out your hand.”

And instantly—people were healed.

Example: The centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5–13).
Jesus didn’t even go to the house. He simply spoke, and healing happened at a distance.

Lesson:
Jesus has absolute authority. He doesn’t need proximity, rituals, or effort—just His word is enough.

2. Through Touch

At other times, Jesus touched people.

  • He touched lepers (who were considered untouchable)
  • He took people by the hand
  • He laid His hands on the sick

Example: The leper in Mark 1:40–42.
Instead of keeping His distance, Jesus reached out and touched him.

Lesson:
Jesus is not distant or afraid of our brokenness. He moves toward us with compassion. His touch restores what others avoid.

3. Through Faith

In many cases, faith played a key role in healing.

Example: The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25–34).
She believed, “If I just touch His garment, I will be healed.” And she was.

Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.”

Lesson:
Faith doesn’t earn healing—but it positions us to receive from God. It’s trust, not performance.

4. Through Unusual Methods

Sometimes Jesus used unexpected or even strange methods.

  • Putting mud on a man’s eyes (John 9:6)
  • Telling someone to wash in a pool
  • Putting His fingers in a man’s ears (Mark 7:33)

These weren’t formulas—they were unique, one-time actions.

Lesson:
God doesn’t work by rigid systems. He may work in ways we don’t expect. If we try to turn His methods into a formula, we’ll miss His heart.

5. Without Being Asked

Some people didn’t even ask to be healed.

Example: The man at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1–9).
Jesus approached him and healed him without any expression of faith from the man.

Lesson:
Healing begins with God’s compassion, not our initiative. Sometimes He moves simply because He sees and cares.

6. In Response to Intercession

Sometimes others brought the sick to Jesus.

Example: The paralytic lowered through the roof (Mark 2:1–12).
It says Jesus saw their faith—the faith of the friends—and healed the man.

Lesson:
Your faith for others matters. Intercession can open the door for God to move in someone else’s life.

7. Gradually

Not every healing was instantaneous.

Example: The blind man in Mark 8:22–26.
At first, he saw people “like trees walking.” Then Jesus touched him again, and his sight became clear.

Lesson:
Sometimes healing is a process. Don’t lose faith if things don’t change immediately—God may still be working.

8. From a Distance

Jesus didn’t always need to be physically present.

Example: The official’s son (John 4:46–54).
Jesus said, “Go, your son will live,” and the healing happened miles away.

Lesson:
Distance is not a barrier for God. He is not limited by space or circumstance.

9. By Delivering from Spiritual Oppression

Some healings involved casting out demons.

Example: The man in the synagogue (Mark 1:23–26).
Jesus rebuked the spirit, and the man was set free.

Lesson:
Not all suffering is purely physical. Jesus has authority over both the physical and spiritual realms.

10. In Response to Persistence

Some people refused to give up.

Example: Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46–52).
Even when people told him to be quiet, he cried out louder: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and healed him.

Lesson:
Persistent faith gets Jesus’ attention. Don’t quit too soon.

Final Thoughts: What This Means for Us

When you step back and look at all these examples, one truth stands out:

Jesus is not predictable—but He is always compassionate and powerful.

There is no single formula for how He heals:

  • Sometimes instantly, sometimes gradually
  • Sometimes with a word, sometimes with touch
  • Sometimes because of your faith, sometimes because of someone else’s

So what should we do?

  • Come to Him with faith
  • Stay open to how He wants to work
  • Keep trusting, even when the answer isn’t immediate

And above all, remember this:

The same Jesus who healed then is alive and working today.

He still sees.
He still cares.
And He still heals—often in ways we don’t expect, but always in ways that reveal who He is.

Posted in Bible, God, Healing, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jesus Isn’t Finished: What He’s Doing Right Now

Posted on March 28, 2026 by Mark Cole

It’s easy to think of Jesus only in the past.

We picture the manger. The miracles. The cross. The empty tomb.

But the Bible makes something very clear: Jesus didn’t finish His work at the resurrection—He continues His work today.

He is not distant. He is not inactive.
Jesus isn’t finished.

So what is He doing right now?

1. Jesus Is Alive

Everything begins here.

Jesus is not a memory or a movement. He is a living Person.

“I am the Living One. I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!” (Revelation 1:18)

Right now, at this very moment, Jesus is alive—fully aware, fully present, fully engaged.

2. Jesus Is Seated on the Throne

After accomplishing our salvation, Jesus ascended to heaven and took His place of authority.

“After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3)

This is not the posture of inactivity—it’s the position of a King whose work on the cross is complete and whose authority is absolute.

Nothing happening in your life—or in this world—is outside His rule.

3. Jesus Is Interceding for You

This may be one of the most personal and powerful truths in Scripture.

“He always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

Jesus is praying for His people.

When you feel weak…
When you don’t know what to pray…
When you’re struggling to stay faithful…

Jesus is speaking to the Father on your behalf.

You are not facing life alone.

4. Jesus Is Leading His Church

The Church is not ultimately led by pastors, leaders, or denominations.

“He is the head of the body, the church.” (Colossians 1:18)

Jesus is actively:

  • guiding
  • correcting
  • strengthening
  • building His Church

Even when things seem uncertain or messy, Jesus has not stepped away. He is still the Head.

5. Jesus Is Building His Kingdom

Jesus said:

“I will build My church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18)

That promise is still in motion.

Across the world, people are coming to Christ. Lives are being transformed. The gospel is advancing.

You may not always see it—but Jesus is still building.

6. Jesus Is Preparing a Place for You

Jesus hasn’t forgotten His people.

“I go to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with Me.” (John 14:2–3)

Your future is not uncertain. It is being prepared by Jesus Himself.

7. Jesus Is With You by His Spirit

Though Jesus is in heaven, He is also present with us.

“I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is:

  • guiding your decisions
  • strengthening you in weakness
  • comforting you in trials
  • speaking truth into your life

You are never alone.

8. Jesus Is Returning

History is not drifting—it’s moving toward a moment.

“This same Jesus… will come back.” (Acts 1:11)

The story isn’t over. Jesus will return:

  • to judge
  • to restore
  • to reign openly and fully

9. Jesus Is Glorified

The Bible gives us a glimpse of Jesus as He is now—not in weakness, but in glory.

“His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” (Revelation 1:16)

He is no longer the suffering servant on the cross.
He is the risen, exalted, glorified Son of God.

Final Thought

Jesus isn’t finished.

He is alive.
He is reigning.
He is praying.
He is leading.
He is preparing.
He is coming again.

And here’s what that means for you:

Your life is not random.
Your prayers are not unheard.
Your future is not uncertain.

Jesus is actively involved in your life right now.

So keep trusting.
Keep following.
Keep your eyes on Him.

Because the same Jesus who saved you…
is still working on your behalf today.

Posted in Bible, Church, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When Counsel and the Holy Spirit Seem to Disagree

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Mark Cole

Learning to Live in the Tension

One of the most challenging parts of following God is this:

What do you do when the counsel you receive doesn’t match what you sense the Holy Spirit is saying?

If you’ve walked with God for any length of time, you’ve likely faced this tension. You sought out a pastor, a leader, or a trusted friend. You listened carefully. But deep inside, you still felt God leading you in a different direction.

So what now?

Do you follow counsel?
Or do you follow what you believe God is saying?

This isn’t a small issue. It’s a defining one.

God Designed Both—Not Just One

Scripture clearly teaches two things:

  • We are to be led by the Spirit
  • We are to seek wise counsel

Romans 8:14

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”

Proverbs 11:14

“There is safety in having many advisers.”

Both are true. Both matter.

But they don’t always feel like they’re working together.

The Mistake on Both Sides

When people struggle in this area, they usually drift to one extreme or the other.

1. Ignoring Counsel

Some say, “God told me,” and shut out every other voice.

That’s dangerous.

It can lead to:

  • Pride
  • Impulsiveness
  • Poor decisions disguised as “faith”

God never intended you to walk alone.

2. Depending Too Much on Counsel

Others lean so heavily on leaders that they stop discerning for themselves.

That’s just as dangerous.

It can lead to:

  • Fear of making mistakes
  • Spiritual passivity
  • Letting others make decisions God meant you to make

God didn’t give your pastor the Holy Spirit instead of you.

Even Good Counsel Can Miss

This is where we need to be honest.

Leaders are valuable—but they are not infallible.

They:

  • Don’t know everything about your calling
  • May be cautious when God is calling you to step out
  • Can interpret things through their own experiences

And Scripture actually gives us an example of this tension.

Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem

In Acts 21, believers warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem because of what would happen to him.

Their concern was real. Their love was genuine.

But Paul went anyway—because he was convinced the Spirit was leading him.

And he was right.

This shows us something important:

Sincere counsel can still be incomplete—or even misapplied.

So How Do You Navigate This?

When you feel tension between counsel and conviction, don’t rush. This is where maturity is formed.

Here’s a steady path forward:

1. Anchor Yourself in Scripture

God will never lead you outside His Word.

If what you sense contradicts Scripture, it’s not the Spirit.

That’s your first and clearest filter.

2. Examine Your Heart Honestly

This is where you have to slow down and be real.

Ask yourself:

  • Is this faith—or is this pride?
  • Am I teachable—or defensive?
  • Do I want God’s will—or my own?

Self-deception is easy. Honesty is essential.

3. Listen Carefully to Counsel—Don’t Dismiss It

Even if you don’t agree, don’t brush it off.

Ask:

  • What are they seeing that I might be missing?
  • Is there wisdom here I need to consider?

Sometimes counsel isn’t meant to stop you—but to refine you.

4. Look for Confirmation, Not Just Agreement

One voice may miss it—but what about several?

Does anyone else sense what you sense?
Is there any affirmation at all?

God often confirms direction through multiple channels.

5. Be Willing to Carry the Responsibility

At the end of the day, you must choose.

And if you step forward, you own that decision.

That’s part of spiritual maturity:

  • Not blaming others
  • Not hiding behind advice
  • Taking responsibility before God

6. Move Forward in Humility

If you go a different direction than the counsel you received, don’t do it with a proud or independent spirit.

Stay humble. Stay teachable.

You don’t need to prove anyone wrong—just obey God faithfully.

The Real Balance

Here’s the tension you have to learn to live in:

  • Value counsel deeply
  • But follow the Spirit ultimately

Counsel is a gift—but it is not your guide.
The Holy Spirit is.

Final Thought

This tension isn’t a problem to eliminate—it’s a reality to mature through.

God uses it to:

  • Sharpen your discernment
  • Deepen your dependence on Him
  • Grow your courage and humility at the same time

Over time, you’ll learn to recognize His voice more clearly.

And when those moments come—when counsel and conviction don’t fully align—you’ll be ready.

Not reckless.
Not passive.

But steady, grounded, and faithful.

Listening carefully to others… and ultimately obeying God.

Posted in Bible, Holy Spirit, Leadership, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why Does God Test Us?

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Mark Cole

At some point, every sincere believer asks this question: If God loves me, why does He allow tests in my life?

That question matters—because how you understand testing will shape how you respond when it comes.

Let’s look at what Scripture teaches.

1. God Tests Us to Reveal What’s in Our Hearts

Tests don’t inform God—He already knows everything. Tests reveal us to ourselves.

It’s easy to say, “I trust God” when life is smooth. But when pressure comes—loss, delay, disappointment—that’s when what’s truly inside rises to the surface.

  • Do we still trust Him?
  • Do we still obey Him?
  • Do we still worship Him?

A test exposes whether our faith is deep or merely convenient.

Scriptures:

  • “Remember how the Lord your God led you… to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart.” — Deuteronomy 8:2
  • “You have tested my heart… and found nothing.” — Psalm 17:3

2. God Tests Us to Strengthen Our Faith

Faith doesn’t grow in comfort—it grows under pressure.

Just as muscles develop through resistance, your spiritual life grows through testing. Without challenges, faith stays shallow. With testing, it becomes steady and resilient.

You don’t develop endurance by talking about it—you develop it by walking through something hard and choosing to trust God anyway.

Scriptures:

  • “The testing of your faith produces perseverance.” — James 1:3
  • “These trials will show that your faith is genuine… it is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold.” — 1 Peter 1:7

3. God Tests Us to Teach Obedience

There’s a difference between knowing what God says and actually doing it.

Tests create moments where obedience costs something:

  • Obeying when it’s inconvenient
  • Obeying when it’s misunderstood
  • Obeying when it’s difficult

In those moments, obedience becomes real—not theoretical.

Scriptures:

  • “If you love Me, keep My commands.” — John 14:15
  • “Even though Jesus was God’s Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered.” — Hebrews 5:8

4. God Tests Us to Refine Our Character

Scripture compares testing to the refining of gold. Fire doesn’t destroy gold—it purifies it.

In the same way, God uses tests to remove:

  • Pride
  • Self-reliance
  • Impatience
  • Fear

And to develop:

  • Humility
  • Trust
  • Perseverance
  • Christlike character

The process may be uncomfortable, but the result is deeply valuable.

Scriptures:

  • “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” — Malachi 3:3
  • “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” — Romans 5:3–4

5. God Tests Us to Prepare Us for Greater Responsibility

Before God entrusts someone with more, He often tests them with what they already have.

  • Can you be faithful in small things?
  • Can you handle pressure without quitting?
  • Can you lead yourself before leading others?

Many desire greater influence, but few embrace the preparation that comes through testing.

Scriptures:

  • “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” — Luke 16:10
  • “Well done, good and faithful servant… you have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.” — Matthew 25:21

6. God Tests Us to Draw Us Closer to Him

Often, it’s in a test that we seek God more deeply than ever before.

When life is easy, we can drift into self-sufficiency. But in a test, we recognize how much we need Him.

Prayer becomes more earnest. Scripture becomes more alive. Dependence on God becomes real.

What feels like pressure can actually become an invitation—to draw closer to Him.

Scriptures:

  • “Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” — Psalm 50:15
  • “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8

7. God Tests Us—But He Does Not Tempt Us

This is an important distinction.

God never tempts anyone to sin. His nature is completely pure, and His purposes are always good.

However, God may lead us into situations where our faith is tested—and where temptation is present.

We see this clearly in the life of Jesus. The Spirit led Him into the wilderness, but it was the devil who tempted Him. The same moment held two different purposes:

  • God’s purpose was to strengthen and confirm
  • The enemy’s purpose was to deceive and derail

So when you face both testing and temptation at the same time, don’t be confused.

  • God is working to grow you
  • The enemy is trying to trip you up

Your response determines which purpose prevails in your life.

Scriptures:

  • “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.” — James 1:13
  • “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” — Matthew 4:1
  • “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind… God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13

Final Thought

A test is not a sign that God has left you—it’s often a sign that He is working in you.

So when you walk through a season of testing, don’t panic. Don’t quit. Don’t lose heart.

Instead, ask:

  • “What is God showing me?”
  • “What is He developing in me?”
  • “How can I trust Him more right now?”

Because if you respond well, what feels like pressure today will become strength tomorrow.

God’s tests are not meant to break you…
They are meant to build you.

Posted in Bible, God, Jesus, Leadership, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Is Biblical Meditation?

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Mark Cole

The word meditation means very different things depending on who you ask. In today’s culture, it often refers to emptying the mind, detaching from thoughts, or seeking inner calm through silence. But biblical meditation is something entirely different—and far more powerful.

Biblical meditation is not about emptying your mind. It’s about filling your mind with God’s truth.

1. Biblical Meditation Is Rooted in God’s Word

At the heart of biblical meditation is Scripture. The psalmist writes:

“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” (Psalm 119:97)

Meditation, in the biblical sense, means to think deeply, carefully, and repeatedly about God’s Word. It involves reading a passage, turning it over in your mind, and allowing it to shape your thinking.

This is not a quick glance at a verse and moving on. It’s lingering. It’s chewing on truth until it becomes part of you.

2. It Engages the Mind and the Heart

Biblical meditation is not mechanical—it’s relational.

You’re not just analyzing words; you’re meeting with God through His Word. As you meditate, you ask questions like:

  • What is God saying here?
  • What does this reveal about His character?
  • How does this apply to my life today?

It’s thoughtful, but it’s also personal. Truth moves from your head to your heart.

3. It Leads to Transformation

The goal of biblical meditation is not information—it’s transformation.

Joshua 1:8 gives a clear picture:

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night… Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Notice the progression:

  • Meditate on God’s Word
  • Obey what it says
  • Experience a fruitful life

When you consistently meditate on Scripture, it begins to shape your attitudes, your decisions, and your character.

4. It Involves Repetition and Reflection

The Hebrew idea of meditation includes the concept of muttering or speaking quietly to oneself. It’s like going over the same truth again and again.

You might:

  • Read a verse several times
  • Say it out loud
  • Emphasize different words
  • Reflect on it throughout the day

This kind of repetition drives truth deeper into your soul.

5. It Brings Stability and Strength

Psalm 1 describes the person who meditates on God’s Word as:

“Like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.”

That’s a picture of stability.

In a culture full of noise, confusion, and shifting values, biblical meditation anchors you. It gives you clarity when life feels uncertain and strength when life gets hard.

6. It Is a Daily Practice

Biblical meditation is not meant to be occasional—it’s meant to be a way of life.

You don’t need hours each day to start. Begin with:

  • One short passage
  • A quiet moment
  • A focused heart

Then carry that truth with you:

  • While you walk
  • While you drive
  • While you go about your day

Over time, this habit will reshape how you think—and how you live.

Final Thoughts

Biblical meditation is simple, but it is not shallow.

It is the disciplined practice of filling your mind with God’s Word, reflecting on it deeply, and allowing it to transform your life.

If you want to grow spiritually, don’t just read the Bible—meditate on it.

Slow down. Think deeply. Listen carefully.

And as you do, you’ll find that God’s Word doesn’t just inform you—it changes you.

Posted in Bible, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment