Come To The Table

Sometimes, I have a bad time saying “no” to my friends. Whenever they want to hang out with me, I just can't resist saying no, and I go and hang out with them. Then, I start to get exhausted from this, and I don't have time to rest and recharge. The inability to set boundaries can be detrimental in your walk with Christ. In today's message, Pastor Mark talks about the dangers of falling away from God. He says that sins like adultery don't happen overnight, but it's a slow regression of someone saying “yes” to things that aren't of God, and then what seem like small excuses turn into a huge spiral of sins that can hurt you or other people.

Growing up, I always wanted to be popular. I would look at the popular kids and try everything I could to fit in. My worth was put into others' approval. But, over time, I realized that it doesn't even matter how many people know me. God will always know me, and He sees me as the most popular and favored person! In today's message, Pastor Mark says that even when you feel like a nobody in this world, you AREN'T! YOU are SO important to God. He sees you as someone so important that he wants YOU to help grow His kingdom. Don't let the lies say you mean nothing, because you are everything to Him! What a joy it is to be highly favored!

When I volunteer in the kids' ministry, I often see the kids acting or doing things without thinking. Although it's very silly, as they grow up, they learn how to think before speaking or acting. Now, their actions are well thought out. This is an important skill to use even when discerning the difference between the enemy and the spirit.  In today's message, Pastor Mark warns you about the enemy using you. Sometimes, it's easy not to see it happening, but other times, you might feel called out from God that what you said was not from Him. It's important to stay cautious and be aware of whether you're speaking through the spirit or through the enemy.

Growing up, I've gotten so many “wise words of advice” from people, some I didn't listen to and figured out the hard way, and others I took very seriously in my life. I can recall so many good nuggets of advice I've gotten from people over time, but the biggest nugget I've gotten was the Gospel, which changed my life!In today's message, Pastor Mark is encouraging you to stand up for your faith! Why stand back and say nothing when you can be outspoken and let people know about how God has changed YOUR life? Any action, big or small, can truly change how someone thinks.

Has your boss ever asked you to do something that just seems absolutely crazy and then just left you alone to figure it out on your own? That can be extremely frustrating, especially when there's no guidance whatsoever. Luckily for you, that's not how God functions; He doesn't just send you on a mission and ditch you. In today's message, Pastor Mark says that when God calls you to something, He has already gone before you and completed it, and all you have to do is be obedient and follow in His calling. God wants to set YOU up for success, not failure. He is always with you. What has God called you to that you need to be obedient to?

In today's message, Pastor Mark describes how God not only uses trials to reveal how you will respond, but also to show you the world is observing your life as a believer. That awareness brings a heavy responsibility, especially when failures happen, because others will see how you respond under pressure. Knowing that people are watching your responses should drive you to cry out, not for your own sake, but for God's name's sake. Your response should honor Him and represent who He is. You can be willing to face personal humiliation, but ask God to help you handle things so that people see Him clearly through you.

Do you ever wake up feeling already behind in the spiritual battles that come your way? In today's message, Pastor Mark shows how rising early to spend time with the Lord is the key to being ready for the challenges the day will bring, just as Scripture repeatedly shows people who sought God at dawn. Consistently starting your day in God's presence builds the strength and readiness you need for both the early morning attacks and the ones that hit later. Without that intentional early pursuit, you'll be facing battles underprepared and underequipped, even though God always remains faithful.

Do you ever feel the weight of standing for Christ in a world that increasingly mocks those who do? In today's message, Pastor Mark explains that while faithfulness to Jesus once often brought honor and support, today it can bring ridicule, hostility, or even real danger, much like Gideon faced in his own time. If God calls you to obey, He Himself will be your protector. You don't need widespread approval or a safe setting to follow Christ; obedience and trust that His protection is always enough. Even if faithfulness costs everything, including your life, that willingness to lay it down is exactly what serving the Lord truly means.

Have you ever tried to fix an issue someone else had before dealing with your own? In today's message, Pastor Mark explains that just as God told Gideon to tear down his family's own idol altar first, not everyone else's, the Lord is calling you to deal with the idols and compromises you've allowed in your own life. It's time to tear down any altars that are placed above God in your heart. Tearing those down is step one; only then will God use you in greater ways beyond your own home. What specific altar in your home might God be asking you to tear down today so you can walk in fuller freedom and usefulness for Him?

In today's message, Pastor Mark explains that God deliberately chooses the ordinary, the unlikely, and the underestimated most of the time. Not because He can't use talented or impressive people, but because He refuses to let anybody steal the glory that rightfully belongs completely to Him and Him alone. That's God's pattern all through Scripture: the glory belongs to Him alone, so He works mightily through the weak and the rejected to make it crystal clear that the strength comes from Him. Maybe that's why God has chosen you. He's ready to use you in ways that point straight back to His greatness.

Do you realize God already saw you as a winner when He chose you? In today's message, Pastor Mark describes how the Lord picked you not because of worldly success, status, or strength, but because He saw your heart would choose Him for eternity and make you a true winner in His kingdom. God doesn't just look at you, but your potential - the person you will become as you simply believe and obey, rather than judging where you stand right now. The only thing holding you back from becoming a mighty man or woman of valor is taking that step of faith and trusting what He already sees within you.

Have you ever found yourself pulling back from church or avoiding certain Christian friends because you knew deep down you weren't living right? Today, Pastor Mark explains that when you're not walking as you should before the Lord, sin naturally brings oppression and a strong urge to hide. That instinct to withdraw and stay out of sight is the classic response to sin, trying to keep God and His people from seeing the truth. But the key isn't staying hidden; it's recognizing what's happening and getting it right with God again so you can step back into the light without fear of judgment or rejection.

In today's message, Pastor Mark explains that, while God does permit many things for His purposes - there are times when He directly brings hardship, difficulty, or discipline Himself to get your attention when nothing else has been able to. You might hear that God only “allows” something, instead of “doing” it. Sometimes, God steps in and brings discipline to wake you up. That kind of direct action from God shows His love in a serious way, because He refuses to let you keep drifting without intervention. You can trust that when He causes difficulty, it's always purposeful, aimed at your good and His glory.

Music has been used throughout the ages as a means to pass on stories of victory. In today's message, we reach the portion of Deborah's Song where Jael is celebrated for having driven a tent spike through the temple of Israel's oppressor, Sisera. Not exactly the type of song you'd expect to be a number one hit. In his message today, Pastor Mark wants you to know that Jael was celebrated for stepping up and doing the right thing. What about you? Are you someone who will take a stand to do what's right? Even if no one else is? Especially because no one else is? When you take a stand for God, you WILL be blessed.

Everybody said that anybody could do all the good things that nobody did do. Everybody said that somebody should do all the good things that nobody did. All too often, that's the way things go. “Oh, I'll do it when I get around to it…” Or “One of these days, I'd really like to do…” Well, when is it going to happen? In today's message, Pastor Mark urges you not to go another day putting off what you can do today. Has the Lord put something on your heart? Has he given you the capacity to do it? It's time to rise up and put your faith into action. Get up off the sidelines and start doing those things that God has called you to do.

In our culture, we don't esteem mothers highly enough. Oftentimes, if a mother doesn't have a few letters next to her name, or a successful social media side-hustle, or some other notable achievement, then we dismiss her as being - Just a mom. But isn't being a mother a noble task in and of itself? A calling from God? Today, in his Message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that you should never diminish the capacity of service that God has called you to. Whether you're a mother or a father, or something else, serve God wherever you are, and with whatever you have in front of you. Serve God in ALL things.

Do you know what happens when no one steps up to lead? NOTHING. That's right. Without leadership, there's no clear direction. But it's amazing what can happen when someone steps up to take the lead. Too often, people wait for someone else to lead, while they're too afraid to do so themselves. In his message today, Pastor Mark shares with you the Song of Deborah as she rejoices over the Victory that God gave Israel when she stepped up to lead. What about you? Is there an area in life where you need to take a stand and do something? Is God speaking to your heart about taking the lead for His glory?

Talk about an epic battle scene. Can you picture it in your head? Can you imagine the Israelite army ready to face this fearsome army of chariots, and the rain begins to pour? We'll see today that it wasn't Barak who was the hero here, but it was God who brought the rain! The victory always belongs to the LORD. Today in his message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that when He calls you to take a stand, He doesn't expect you to stand in your own strength, but in His. Whatever battle you're facing, know this: God will give you the strength to face it. He will be the hero of your battle; you just stand up and fight.

In my refrigerator and in my pantry, there are all kinds of things to eat. Anytime someone in my house wants something to eat, pretty much anything is free game. But sometimes, there are things that have been set aside for a certain purpose. Perhaps for a special meal on a special day. And no one better touch them before that time comes. In Pastor Mark's message today, he tells you that if you want to be used by God, then you have to be set apart for Him and His purpose. That's what it means to be Holy. To be set apart for a special use by God. Have you been separated from this world so that you can be used by God?

Have you ever been in one of those situations where you needed a little peer pressure to do something? Maybe like jumping off the high dive as a kid for the first time, and you tell your friend, “I'll go if you go with me.” Or were you the brave one who had the courage to climb up there and be the first to take the plunge? In today's message, Pastor Mark shares with you that when God calls you to do something, you shouldn't be afraid to step out and do it. You don't need to lean on anyone else to do what God is calling YOU to do. Trust God at His Word and obey His voice, knowing that He will do the work as you follow Him.

It's true that people spend way too much time worrying about what other people think about them. But if everybody's spending their time worrying about what other people think about them, then they really aren't spending any time thinking about everyone else. It really is a funny thing, isn't it? In his message today, Pastor Mark encourages you to quit worrying so much about what other people think about you, and start asking yourself What does God think about me. Live your life in a way that pleases God rather than man. When all is said and done, He's the one you'll have to give an account to.

Every story we read in the bible and every testimony we hear, one thing is the same…God used someone inadequate. God has proven that He doesn't call the qualified, He equips the surrendered! When someone is humble in heart and willing to do anything God says, there is no limit to what will happen! In today's message, Pastor Mark will remind you that you may not be able, but God only asks for your obedience! You don't need to be perfect before allowing God to work; you only have to be humble and obedient right now. God will use you, no matter your past or present sins; He has special plans for you!!!

Sometimes, although not all the time, God uses hard times to get our attention. God will use people, He will use conflict, and He will use difficult situations to show us that something isn't right. Maybe you're facing family disagreements or friendship issues, or maybe a workplace dispute, God may be trying to get your attention. In today's message, Pastor Mark will share some examples of how you can read, or rather sense, what God may be doing to get you to listen up or pay special attention. God will bring up anything to get to you, whether to get you to know you're doing good, or to know you need to change something in your life.

On our own, we can't accomplish much. We can't have victory, we can't have courage, and we can't have power over sin…but with Christ, WE CAN! Alone, we have no authority in life, but when the Holy Spirit is working in us, there is no limit and no end to our victories, our courage, and our power! In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to seek God and remember to be with Him! When you spend time with God, and you allow the Holy Spirit to work in you and through you, there is no limit! The Bible says that you have the same power that raised Jesus from the grave in you! Live like it!!!

Even though our world is ever-changing, God doesn't and hasn't changed. His power, His presence, and His goodness haven't changed since Bible times, and we're promised it's not going to change anytime soon! God still does miracles, God still heals, God still cares for His people, no matter what the world is doing! In today's message, Pastor Mark will remind you to let fear stay just as it is…an emotion. Fear of the future should never hold you back or make you think God's power has diminished in any sense! Don't be fearful of what is to come; trust God knows best! Because God remains faithful even through your doubt and fear!

There are absolutely repercussions for standing up for our faith and standing up for the salvation of others; God unfortunately promised this in the Scriptures. He said that we will have trials and that it won't be easy. Life isn't easy…that is the point…we need Christ to be with us to walk through life peacefully!  In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you as you're facing trials and pushback for your faith. Stay strong! Stand with God, and He will not leave you! When you stand up in the face of adversity and stand strong in your beliefs, God will bless your efforts and endurance in ways you can't even imagine!

Sometimes we pray once, and we expect God to show up powerfully and consistently. Not that He won't, but God expects us to pray continually! When our prayers never end, His mercies will find no end! God wants to bless you, and He wants you to ask for it, to seek after His ways, and to knock at His door. So practically, what does asking, seeking, and knocking look like for our lives? In today's message, Pastor Mark will show you exactly how your prayers are asking, seeking, and knocking! When your consistent prayers encounter the Lord's power, there is no limit to what He will do in your life!

It's important to know that we are at war. There is a spiritual battle for our souls, and there is a fight for control. The enemy, satan, wants total chaos and destruction, and he is willing to do anything to get us away from Jesus! Seek God in the battle, and there is no possible way for us to fall into satan's traps. In today's message, Pastor Mark will teach that you have a part to play in this war! You have the power to stand up for your own soul and choose Jesus! When you choose Jesus to fight on your side, there is no amount of mayhem or madness that the enemy can cause that you can't overcome in the name of Jesus Christ! 

The softness of God's heart, the gentleness of His temper, and the generous grace He offers are unmatched! There are no other so-called “gods” that offer and or can even guarantee what Jesus does! There are no other people who have even come close to living a perfect life as Jesus Christ did.  In today's message, Pastor Mark will highlight God's consideration and love. While you were stuck in your sin, while you were constantly denying God, He still pursued you…And He will continue to pursue you! Even through your rebellion, God shows His character by loving you unconditionally!

You've probably heard that we're made in the image of God; you can see that in Genesis 1, but what does that really mean? What does it mean, and what all does it entail for you and me to be made in the image of God? In today's message, Pastor Mark will share the ins and outs of being created in the image of God. Image can also mean likeness. So, we're also made in the likeness of God. That means we have the same tendencies, possibly the same passions, and we have the same emotions. What makes God sovereign is that He is all-knowing, so His choices and emotions are perfectly just and perfectly timed!

Confession and repentance are admitting to sin. A large number of people's sin is that they give in to temptations… but confessing and repenting won't change their desires; it only brings them to the light. Acknowledging the sin and desires in our lives is the first step to real life transformation! In today's message, Pastor Mark will teach on the biblical steps of heart transformation and life change. You must take action in removing yourself from your temptations and towards Jesus to have real change! The answer isn't trying really hard not to sin, it's being so close to Jesus you have no want to sin!

If we're not concerned with the influence we have on our children, or the influence the church has on our children, they will be influenced by the world. We obviously don't want that! We must be intentional about living biblical lives that teach our children first-hand who Jesus is and what He can do!! In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to be deliberate about loving like Jesus, reading your Bible, and praying. When you do all this, you can teach your children, by your actions, to do the same! Then there will be no room or miscommunication for the world to tell them any lies!

You may be someone who has truly honoured God and walked alongside Him with faithfulness. Yet, the foe really tries to throw you off balance and make things tough for you. Sometimes, you might find yourself at the point of cracking under pressure and stepping away from your faith. But is there any peace as you become distant from God? Today, Pastor Mark invites you to reconnect with God. If you've turned your back on Him, it looks like you're on a path that could lead to some serious struggles. But you know what? It's always a good time to return! Imagine God standing there, arms wide open, just waiting for you to come back to Him!

There was a time when the United States wore its faith like a badge of honour, fully leaning on God for strength and guidance. But do you realize that our country seems to have taken a bit of a downturn over the last few years? It seems like crime rates are on the rise, the political climate is pretty bleak, and folks are really feeling the pinch with food and other essentials getting more expensive. Do you know the reason behind all of this? Today, Pastor Mark talks about how we, as a nation, need to turn back to God and seek His help. As believers, we need to pray for our country so that our reliance can once again start being on God alone! 

Isn't it interesting how little kids often shy away from admitting they've had a little mishap in their bed? Perhaps they're a bit shy about admitting their slip-ups. Yet, when the moment arrives, parents handle everything with a heart full of love and zero judgment. Similarly, you might find yourself grappling with a secret sin that's been keeping you captive for quite a while. Perhaps you're feeling a bit shy about opening up to someone about this. So, how often do you find yourself talking about your problems with your Creator? Today, Pastor Mark is here to inspire you to reach out for God's help in overcoming sin. 

It doesn't matter how often you attempt to fill up a tank; if there's a leak, the water will just keep slipping away each time. In a similar way, as a believer, you may find that each time you attempt to recharge with God's Spirit, it feels like you're being drained instead. So, have you ever paused to find the little leaks in your spiritual journey?  Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to take a moment to reflect and discover what might be holding you back. It's possible that some habits or addictions could be the ones causing the trouble. Once you let go of those things, you'll find that God steps in to help you heal and refresh your spirit!

No matter how tough you are as a soldier, there's something about facing a tank that can really make you feel small. In a similar vein, there are those particular sins in your life that can feel like a heavy tank, weighing you down and pushing you to the point of surrender. It could be a lingering mistake from your past or a habit that just won't budge. Hey, do you know that God can really help you tackle those tough sins you're dealing with? Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to seek God's help. Having Him by your side means you can confidently take on the tank-like sins in your life that are trying to hold you back. 

To come out on top in the fight against your foe, you need to land a decisive hit. In a believer's journey, it's not just Satan that poses a challenge; your own sin nature can be quite the adversary, too. It holds you back from forming a deep connection with God. No matter how hard you try, it can be a real challenge to resist or defeat your sin nature. Today, Pastor Mark shares a powerful reminder about wielding God's Word like a sword to combat sin. Whenever that pesky sin nature tries to creep in, you can take charge by declaring the Word of God over those vulnerable spots in your life. That's the only way to defeat it!

America has been blessed by God because we've relied on Him. However, you might observe that people's dependence on God has significantly decreased in recent years. Could that be troubling news for the country? Today, Pastor Mark dives into the topic of God's judgment and shares some thoughts on how the church can help our nation rise again. When we turn our backs on God, it feels like we've opened the door to His judgment as a nation. As believers, we have the wonderful opportunity to pray and raise awareness, ensuring that our trust in God guides us right from the start of every decision we make!

Study books need to keep getting fresh updates! We've set it up so you can stay in the loop with all the exciting discoveries our scientists are making! But did you know there's a book out there that stands the test of time, always resonating with every generation? Pretty fascinating, right? Today, Pastor Mark shares insights on how God's Word serves as a guiding light for people across all generations. God has laid out His roadmap in His Word, guiding you to find the right path when you're feeling lost or a bit confused. Take a moment to read your Bible. It's like having a conversation with God, guiding you on the right path!

You might have heard that our world is on a path toward some serious consequences and reckoning. Satan realises his time here is running out, so he's pulling out all the stops to take down as many as possible. He tricks people into living in a fantasy about who they are and their gender. He keeps them from catching a glimpse of the truth. That's how he leads them on a journey far from connecting with God.  So, how do you, as someone who believes in Christ, connect with these types of people? Do you just despise them? Today, Pastor Mark invites you to share the truth with these folks, but remember to do it with love!

Have you ever thought about what your life in heaven might look like? Some folks think that even in heaven, they might still feel a longing for their spouses or family members. Have you ever thought about how heaven could be like a fresh start for you? Today, Pastor Mark paints a picture of what it would be like to live in heaven with God. Get ready for a total memory wipe! You'll find that no one from your past life will ring a bell. Imagine shedding all the weight of the burdens you've been carrying, only to be wrapped in the warm embrace of God's peace. It's a beautiful thought, isn't it? Everything in heaven will be new! 

Reading God's Word, where He promises to protect you even amidst His judgment on the world, can really stir up some doubts, can't it? You may be thinking, how can God judge the world without including you in His wrath, right? Just think about how God saved Noah! It's such a striking story, especially when you consider that the entire world was swept away by the flood. Today, Pastor Mark shares a comforting reminder that God's grace and protection are always with His children. Even if you face some tough times ahead, just remember that a miraculous solution is on the way from above to guide you through!

When a teenager goes against their parents' wishes or gets into a disagreement, it's not like they turn their backs on their child. They allow him the room to understand his mistakes, but their love for him remains as strong as ever. In the end, it's when you open up to your parents about how you feel that they really step in to help. Our connection with God is a lot like that.  Today, Pastor Mark invites you to reconnect with your Creator. He's still right there with you, not leaving your side or letting you slip from his mind. Even if you have strayed away from God, He's patiently waiting for you to realise your mistakes and come back to Him.

During dinner with the folks, when mom whips up something special beyond the usual veggies, kids often dive into the greens first. They want to save the delicious part for last, making it a sweet ending to the meal! I did the same thing, too! Guess what? God also has some amazing food and drink just waiting for you! Today, Pastor Mark shares a delightful message about the scrumptious food and exquisite wine that every believer can look forward to in heaven. God has always offered you the very best, including His one and only Son, Jesus, to bring you salvation. Just picture how amazing the food and wine in heaven will be!

If you jump into a competition and decide to bend the rules or find a sneaky loophole, you might just get disqualified from getting the prize. When you embrace a life of obedience and align yourself with the plan that God has in store for you, just know there's a wonderful reward waiting for you in heaven. So, what's the deal if you decide to stray from the path, cheat a little, or just go off and do your own thing instead of following God? So, Pastor Mark has a little reminder for you today: don't let that heavenly reward slip away! Your salvation is secure, but remember, not following God's ways can cost you some great prizes. 

Many folks like to share that they have faith in Jesus. But is just believing really enough to get them to heaven? Even the demons in the Bible knew who Jesus was and recognised Him right away. However, that didn't grant them Salvation, and the same goes for anyone who merely knows about Jesus. What truly sets everything apart is the moment you welcome Him into your life.  Today, Pastor Mark shares insights on what it truly means to simply know Jesus as your Saviour versus receiving Him. When you turn away from your mistakes and invite Jesus to transform your life, that's the moment you genuinely embrace Salvation!

The Bible mentions a total of four temples that are set to be built. The enemies of Israel have already taken out the first two. So, what's the deal with the third and fourth? According to the Bible, the construction of the third temple is set to happen during the reign of the Antichrist. He's going to seize the temple and proclaim himself a deity. As we reach the end of this seven-year judgment period, the third temple is destined for destruction too. So, what's the deal with the fourth? In today's message, Pastor Mark shares some exciting insights about how God will build the fourth temple, which will be known as the millennial temple!

When you dive into learning an instrument, it's all about getting a grip on the basics first! Your music teacher is going to make sure you've got the basics down before diving into the advanced stuff. Hey, have you ever thought about how that same idea fits into a believer's life, too? You might be questioning why it feels like God is holding you back from moving ahead.  In today's message, Pastor Mark talks about the reason for your hard-stuck life. You may find yourself wrestling with a pesky habit that's unacceptable to God. He wants you to let go of that bad habit so He can guide you to the next exciting chapter in your life!

When you move from being a child to a teenager, it's like stepping into a whole new world of change. It's like you're clearing out the treasure chest of childhood toys to make room for fresh adventures, like new books and other exciting finds! Did you know that when you receive Jesus, something amazing happens? It's like a whole new chapter begins! Today, Pastor Mark shares some thoughts on how God transforms you from within. Once you embrace Salvation, those old habits simply no longer have a place. Jesus transforms your life by replacing old habits with His amazing gifts and the unique plan He has just for you.

Have you ever noticed how various religions have their own unique idols or objects that people bow down to and worship? Take India, for instance; it's fascinating to think that there are around 330 million gods that the Hindus hold dear to their hearts. Have you ever thought about the idea that these so-called gods might actually be demons and fallen angels in disguise? Today, Pastor Mark dives into the intriguing topic of why folks find themselves bowing down to false gods. Satan likes to keep people stuck in the confines of misleading beliefs. As a believer, it's important to stay mindful and steer clear of any of these false deities.