Come Alive (Audio)

What does good counsel look like? In today's message from Pastor Mark, he teaches you that good counsel can look very different, in any given circumstances. Good counsel, is not always going to be something that looks particularly “good.” Sometimes good counsel, like in David's case, is to flee. David in 2nd Samuel, had to pack up all of his belongings and leave. Leaving was not easy for David, and there might be a time where you have to flee. Good counsel is not always easy. Good counsel can be hard, uncomfortable, and not necessarily joyful. However, that doesn't mean it's not the best advice for your situation.

The time of Christ's return, is near! In today's message from Pastor Mark, he teaches you to be urgent in spreading the Good News. Often times it can feel uncomfortable to open up and share with others. However, as Christians, it's important that we do. You can't keep the Good News of the Lord to yourself. Someone in your life, decided to open up and share with you, and it's important that you do the same. You can't sit and wait on it. There is an urgency to the Gospel, because Christ's return is very near. Don't wait for the right feeling to come about, in order to be able to share. Share the Good News with someone today!

Who can counsel the Lord? In today's message from Pastor Mark, he teaches that God alone knows what is ultimately best for you. Therefore, it's important that you are in His Word daily and spending time in His presence. Speak to the Lord in prayer and ask Him what you should do. Often times, people want to come to the Lord with their own ideas about what God should do for them. However, they need to be asking Him, what actions they should take. God doesn't need your counsel, you need His. He desires that you know Him intimately, and seek Him in all things. Rest assured that no matter what, He desires good for you!

Don't be a false flatterer! In today's message from Pastor Mark, he teaches you that false-flattery is destructive. False-flattery, is telling someone what you think they might want to hear, just so you can look good in their eyes. Those who speak false-flattery, are often trying to promote themselves, and are seeking after their own selfish gain. If you are a Christian and are speaking false-flattery, you are saying that you believe more in your lies and tricks to get you where you need to go, versus trusting in the Lord. Be sure to remember, that it is God alone who provides a path for success. All promotions, blessings, and gifting come from Him!

The Enemy is subtle and strategic! In today's message from Pastor Mark, he teaches that Satan studies and looks for your weaknesses. Satan likes to attack you when you are down, vulnerable, and discouraged. He is patient in waiting for the most opportune time, to attack and tempt you toward sin. You must always be on your guard against him, and be sure to be in the Word daily. Satan desires for you to react and respond how the world would react, which is from the flesh. Never forget that you have the Spirit of God inside of you. When you feel down, ask the Lord to help strengthen and equip you for the battle!

God is faithful to His Word! In today's message from Pastor Mark, he teaches you that God is faithful to His Word, in good times and in bad times. There will be times in your life, where you will need to be disciplined from the Lord. Discipline from God is a good thing, because He disciplines those whom He loves. Often times, it's easy to like God's faithfulness to His Word, when there are promises of abundance and good things. However, God's faithfulness to His Word when it comes to discipline, is just as beneficial. God loves you, and is faithful to keep His Word to bless you, but to also refine you to look more like Him!

Do you pray for God to give you the eyes to see, like how He sees? In today's message from Pastor Mark, he teaches you about intercessory prayer. Intercessory prayer, is standing in the gap for others. Jesus is your intercessor, and He prays for you! Jesus holds the hand of God, holds the hand of man, and bridges the gap for His people. God desires that we model after Him, and do the same for others. You need to be praying, that God would help you to see who you can intercede for, and lift up to Him in prayer. So many people are fighting hidden battles, and desperately need your prayers. Who can you stand in the gap for?

In life, things don't always go as planned. You can try to do everything right and still people will betray you, life will fall apart, and you'll likely stumble and have to reap the consequences of your sin. This isn't meant to discourage you – on the other hand, Pastor Mark intends to encourage you with a truth that will never change. God is for you, and He is working your steps out well in advance! He knows where you've been, and He still wants to use you to do great things for the Kingdom! You don't need to strive to defend yourself to a world that just doesn't understand. Instead, let go and let God work it all out in His perfect timing!

Your life is influenced by those you spend the most time with, whether you're aware of it or not. Today, Pastor Mark has a challenge for you in this area – will you take a close and careful look at what those people are sharing in your life? Take some time to think today about what your friends are encouraging. Is it bitterness and resentment, or are they pushing you closer to Jesus? It might be time to make some changes to who's speaking into your life! You too can be this type of influence in your friends lives! Show them Jesus through what you say and do, and always let Him guide your interactions with others!

Who are you becoming like? In today's message from Pastor Mark, he encourages you to ask yourself some hard questions. You learn from this message that David's followers, were loyal to him. Are you loyal to God? Are the people you surround yourself with, loyal to God? Are you grumbling and complaining all the time, or are you praising and thanking? Are you becoming bitter or better? The answers to these questions, will help give you insight as to what is going on within the internals and externals of your life. God desires for you to become and look more like Him. Spend time in His presence, and He will transform you!