It’s safe to say that everyone worries. No matter if life is in a good or bad place, we always manage to find something to worry about. Today in his message, Pastor Mark explains that instead of focusing on your everyday problems, focus on God and His provisions for your life. Give it all to Him and He will deliver you. In the ups and downs of our everyday lives, it’s easy to let our worries completely consume us. Stop putting the burden on yourself and let God handle it for you. The worries of life will never stop coming and He will always be there for your needs. Stake your claim in His kingdom and accept His promise of eternity.

Have you ever experienced darkness in your life and been unable to find the source? Have you ever expected more from yourself but fallen short? Today, Pastor Mark explains that you will become whatever you consume. If you want to experience God’s goodness, take in only what’s good and remove the bad. If you let Jesus guide your life you will experience goodness and grace like never before. He will empower you to conquer your shortcomings and overcome the things that are holding you back. Accept God’s free gift of grace and be saved from yourself. Be transformed and leave your old ways behind.

Have you ever tried to pad out an essay or a writing project? Whenever someone tries to do that, they normally fill in every gap they can find with extra words to make it seem like they have more to say. In today’s message, however; Pastor Mark explains that we might often do this with prayer as well! While it’s not a bad thing to pray for long periods, if you’re trying to extend a prayer just for the sake of sounding like you’re more spiritual or have more faith or whatever; it’s completely disingenuous. God knows what we need before we even think to ask him. So why should we try and complicate those needs with more words?

You know how some popular influencers will sometimes post photos or videos of themselves hanging out with those less fortunate than most others? Does it really help those in need? Not really, it just looks like a poor attempt and trying to convince your followers exactly just how good of a person they are! In today’s message, Pastor Mark speaks about how we are called to give “with our left hand, without our right hand knowing.” But you’re always going to know what both of your hands are doing, so what gives? What this phrase actually means is ‘giving as discretely as possible, so that even your hands couldn’t tell.’

“I swear…” in other words; “I promise” or “I guarantee” – you’ve probably said one at some point. In today’s message, Pastor Mark speaks about what it truly means to swear on something. Whether it be sworn on your heart, your mother’s grave, or even your life itself! Pastor Mark showcases old rabbis, who would constantly swear on behalf of the Bible, even if they were either wrong, or downright lying! What does it show for the thing you swear on if you’re wrong? If you swear on the Bible, then go on to tell a complete lie, or even just a half truth, that reflects pretty poorly on the Word of God then, doesn’t it?

Have you ever gone out of your way to intentionally avoid someone you were at odds with? It might seem like avoiding them is the easy thing to do, but in reality, you’re letting it take over your whole life. As uncomfortable and awkward as it may be, it will be far, far easier on the other side of making amends. Not only is it easier, but it’s also what Jesus commands you to do! A grudge is not just a grudge to Jesus. It’s murder. It’s sin. Pastor Mark reminds us today that sin has to be dealt with. First with repentance to God, yes. But then you need to make amends with whoever it is that you are holding the grudge against.

The Bible isn’t just a book. It’s more than words printed in ink on pages of paper. It’s more than just history, poetry, and teachings written by humans thousands of years ago. It’s not just a set of good principles to model your life after. It’s not just a book, it’s the Word of God. The Bible says that Jesus himself is the Word of God. See, if we try to pick and choose which parts of the Bible we are going to believe, we are picking and choosing which parts of Jesus we are going to believe. Today Pastor Mark implores us to believe all of it. The importance of this can’t be overstated: what you believe about the Bible will be remembered for all eternity.

Christians are called to seek peace. Whether at home, the workplace or with those you may be at odds with, we are called to seek peace whenever possible. But it’s not a call to peace at all costs. Peace should never come at the expense of truth. That kind of peace is simply a bad witness to who God is. We should look to God as our example of a peacemaker. He will always give peace to anyone who asks for it – as long as they come with a repentant heart. Nobody can truly be at peace with God if they haven’t accepted the truth of who he is. Pastor Mark reminds us today that we should not forget truth in our seeking for peace.

The best things in life require a sacrifice. Marriage requires a sacrifice of singleness and independence. The best mountain view requires a physical sacrifice. Following Jesus requires sacrifice as well. Have you said yes to the sacrifice Jesus is asking of you? Jesus doesn’t ask everyone to be a martyr. Although you may have to give your life one day, there’s probably a smaller, everyday thing God is asking you to give up in order to be closer to him. Today, Pastor Mark teaches us the importance of saying yes to whatever that sacrifice is, whether it’s time, sleep, money, or attention. The effort is worth the reward.

If someone asked you to make a building plan for a skyscraper or design a new kind of rocket, could you do it? If you were asked to teach kindergarten, could you come up with a lesson plan? The only way you can do any of those things is if you have received the proper training. So what happens when God calls you to do something you don’t feel trained to do? When God calls you to do something, it’s not your job to figure out exactly how you will do it. Your job is just to say yes and follow where God leads. Pastor Mark encourages you today that God will make you whatever it is that he wants you to be.