Tag Archives: honest

When God Seems Far Away

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Mark Cole

“Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?”— Psalm 10:1 We’ve all had moments where it feels like God is distant. Trouble comes, the wicked seem to thrive, and we wonder: Where … Continue reading →

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Ecclesiastes: Finding Meaning in a World That Can’t Satisfy

Posted on June 27, 2025 by Mark Cole

The book of Ecclesiastes stands like a quiet, reflective voice in the middle of the Bible—a voice that doesn’t shout with triumph, but one that wrestles honestly with the complexities of life. It’s often surprising, even unsettling, with its famous … Continue reading →

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Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

Posted on June 19, 2025 by Mark Cole

“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,and this is what He requires of you:to act justly, to love mercy,and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8 This verse from Micah is one of the … Continue reading →

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When Things Seem Impossible—Trusting God Anyway

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Mark Cole

“What is impossible for people is possible with God.” — Luke 18:27 We’ve all faced moments that looked completely hopeless. Maybe it was a financial crisis.A dream that seemed delayed too long.A relationship that appeared too broken to mend.Or a … Continue reading →

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How to Get a Party Started in Heaven

Posted on April 20, 2025 by Mark Cole

There’s a phrase in Jesus’ famous parable of the Prodigal Son that jumps out at me every time I read it:“So the party began.” (Luke 15:24, NLT) What a moment. What a line. God throws parties. Did you know that? … Continue reading →

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Be Holy Because I Am Holy: What Does That Mean?

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Mark Cole

In Leviticus 19:2, God commands His people: “You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” This command is echoed throughout Scripture, including in 1 Peter 1:15-16, where believers are urged to live holy lives. But what … Continue reading →

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Trusting God Through Tragedy: Finding Healing In Grief

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Mark Cole

Losing a parent or child is one of the most painful experiences a person can endure. Grief is heavy, and it can shake the very foundation of our faith. When I was 12 years old, my father died in an … Continue reading →

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Attitude Is Everything! (The Attitudes of Worship)

Posted on April 28, 2024 by Mark Cole

I have been leading worship at home and around the world for over thirty years. In my busiest seasons, I have led worship up to fourteen times in a single week. I did not always feel like it. Sometimes I just wanted to stay home … Continue reading →

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How To Last In Ministry

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Mark Cole

By Pastor Rick Warren
Ministry is a marathon: it’s not how you start in ministry; it’s how you finish. Continue reading →

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Philosophy of Worship

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Mark Cole

Does your congregation have a ‘Philosophy of Worship’? I recently came across a very well-written philosophy from ‘The Meeting Place’ church. If you are developing your own standards for your worship ministry, this is a good place to start. Philosophy … Continue reading →

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