Pastor Mark’s Reflections

Where is your heart? Ok, I’m sure you remember learning that as a young kid, so let’s think about it theologically. What is it that grabs your attention, dominates your thinking, and fills your conversations? Is it good? Is it grace filled? Is it godly? Today’s verse reminds us that those are the things that…

Let’s take a quick look at one of Jesus’ most powerful statements as we prepare for worship on this first Sunday of June: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus spoke these words to His disciples just before telling them that He now refers to them as…

When was the last time you fretted that something was true, suspected it for a while, and then had it confirmed? How did it make you feel? That happened to me the other day. I was pretty sure I knew something to be true, but I was unable to get it confirmed for myself. Fast…

I saw the sign pictured below the other day while driving past our local BP station. The per-gallon price of gasoline immediately brought to mind John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse,…

I want us to read today’s verse in context with v.20: “Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” This brings to mind the famous Mark Twain quote, “It is better to keep your mouth…

Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) | When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. This verse, y’all. It was the one I held…

I pray you are preparing for a meaningful and memorable Memorial Day. This is a day that is so much bigger than the unofficial start of summer, cookouts, and camping. This is a time when we are rhythmically called to pause, remember, and give thanks for those who heard and heeded the call to serve.…

Happy Pentecost Sunday! This is the day we commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit. You can find throughout scripture many times the Holy Spirit appeared on the scene, but it was usually a one-off time and/or place. What makes today unique is seen in our verse from Acts 4:31. We read that after the…

Today’s verse is part of the Great Commission. This is the instruction Jesus gave to the disciples just before His ascension back to Heaven as recorded at the end of Matthew’s Gospel. The full Great Commission reads as follows: “Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on…

Our family recently experienced a loss that reminded us of the sting of death. Friends, this is part of our human condition and the glorious reality of Jesus’ victory over the grave. Death is terminal for the non-believer, but for those who believe in Jesus as God’s one and only Son — the same who…