Come To The Table

Dealing with teenagers can sometimes feel like navigating a tricky maze, and as a parent, you might find yourself in a mental tug-of-war! As a believer, it can be truly tough to watch your kids drift away from their faith and rebel in their own ways. But does that make you lose all hope? Today, Pastor Mark has a heartfelt message for all the parents out there—he's inviting you to lift your spiritually lost kids in prayer. It seems like you may have missed the chance to build a solid spiritual foundation. But your prayers have the power to unlock those stubborn hearts to embrace God’s love. It’s never too late to come back to Jesus!

When constructing a skyscraper, the crew always ensures that the foundation is rock-solid. That takes away the worry of earthquakes and wind causing any harm to the building. In the same way, being a parent gives you the chance to guide your kids through life and get them ready for what’s coming next. But have you taken the time to build that spiritual base in their lives? Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to build a strong foundation by guiding your children to walk with God from a young age. Even if they do stray away from Jesus at some point, He will find a way to reach out to them and bring them back to Him. 

Samson, huh? He’s quite the character, isn’t he? Famous for his incredible strength, he stood out among other Bible characters. So, you might be curious about the kind of diet that boosted his strength to such impressive heights, huh? Guess what? It was all God! His trust in God filled him with an amazing strength. Yet, as he wandered from God and led a sinful life, his strength began to wane. In today’s message, Pastor Mark shares insights on how to stand firm against sin and lean on God’s strength. Unlike Samson, be mindful not to let sin get in the way of that beautiful bond you share with your Creator. 

What drives you when you’re doing something, whether it’s playing music or lending a hand at church? What’s the spark behind your actions? Are you doing it as a way to honour God, or is it more about impressing others and making them think highly of you? It's interesting how, even within ministry, there are individuals who seem to prioritise their own interests while claiming to serve God. In today’s message, Pastor Mark invites you to open your heart to worship and to serve God with sincerity and a joyful spirit. God truly knows what lies within your heart and the motives behind your actions. Be true to Him!

When parents tell their kids to hang out with the right crowd, it matters a lot! Being in the wrong crowd can affect you, too. If you notice your church leaders behaving in ways that don’t quite match up with God’s Word, it might be time to consider exploring a different fellowship instead of sticking around in a situation that doesn’t feel right. Being involved with that deceptive group can really lead to some serious repercussions for you, too! Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to stay alert to false teachings and to seek out a community where you can worship God authentically and freely alongside fellow believers!

When we consider what Jephthah’s daughter faced, it’s natural to question why she didn’t opt for her own freedom and carve out the life she desired, don’t you think? The generation we’re living in seems to lean towards a different path, doesn’t it? What Jephthah’s daughter did was viewed as an act of obedience in the eyes of God. Sometimes in life, you find yourself facing a tough choice that you didn't really want to make. Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to stay true to your promises to God. Even if it brings challenges your way, always choose to do what’s right. God will honour you in just the right way at the right time!

These days, it seems like our generation has a habit of swearing by God for even the tiniest promises we make to one another. Often, our promises end up feeling empty because we struggle to follow through on them. Have you ever thought about the fact that not keeping those promises you make, particularly to God, might lead to some serious judgment? Today, Pastor Mark tells you to hold onto your promises, no matter what! It's wise to steer clear of making vows, but if you find yourself in a situation where you do promise something to God, be sure to follow through. God treasures this more than you might realise!

Many of the conflicts we encounter today are due to rude, unwanted judgment. People don’t want to be judged, obviously; I mean, you can imagine what that's like from your own experiences…it’s usually not fun. So, how do we navigate telling people about sin without judging them harshly? In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you that it is God’s job to judge… it is not yours! You are called to inform people about sin, in grace and truth, but you are not to judge them. Why? Because we’re all sinners! Who are we to judge another person when Jesus has been so forgiving and kind to us?!

Disputes with co-workers, arguments over little things when we’re tired, and family conflicts are, unfortunately, unavoidable. We may have seasons where we’re at peace with everyone, but eventually, we will need to make amends with another person; thankfully, there IS a biblical way to do so! The Bible says that we’re to be at peace with everyone to the best of our ability; so, how do we do that? In today’s message, Pastor Mark will show you some of the biblical tools you need to settle arguments. The main tool is simply communication. Seek God to give you the right words, and He WILL come through!

Unfortunately, the world we live in is dark and is only getting darker every day. But fortunately, as Christians, we have the light, and we can be light amidst the darkness! We can shine for Jesus by staying positive, calm, and steady so our family, friends, and co-workers can see exactly who our God is! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will show that you have an opportunity to share Jesus with those when life gets hectic. When the world is spiraling, and you stay confident and unwavering in your God, people will notice, and you then have an opportunity to share why you do not need to worry!!!

Families can be a complicated thing. Whether you have a good earthly family or not, it can be a difficult thing to navigate. Thankfully, God has adopted you into His heavenly family! God wants you to know that He accepts you, He chooses you, and He will never mistreat you or leave you! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will recognize that families can be a touchy subject and a difficult thing for most people. Pastor Mark will teach that God uses family trauma or even healthy families to grow us spiritually and to give us a greater understanding of how much He loves us and cares for us!

Confession and repentance are used quite often in Church, but what do they really mean, and how are we supposed to be doing them? Confession is verbally speaking your sin and apologizing; Repenting is an action! We must take action to change our thoughts and habits; that is where the spiritual change happens! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you that real-life transformation comes from the Holy Spirit's intercession and your actions! You’ve probably heard that, “if nothing changes…then nothing changes”… You must do something different so you don’t get caught up in your sins again!

Everything God does and says has a purpose, and a purpose that is beyond what we can imagine. It’s hard to comprehend God’s sovereignty and plans, because they are so far beyond what we can understand…that is where our faith comes in! We must have faith that God has a plan that will be fruitful! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage you as you may be doubting, misunderstanding, or unsure…God has a plan for your life! What the Lord has said and done has all been for your betterment and growth! Don’t concern yourself with seeing the full picture, just trust God in His faithfulness!

The Bible teaches that we’re the salt of the earth…but what does that mean? In today’s message, Pastor Mark will explain what being salt means for you and me. The Bible teaches that we’re to be like a seasoning that God can sprinkle where He wants and however much He wants. We must be willing to season according to His will! Being the salt of the earth means that you are an honest, kind, and loving person; you are someone who is seasoned in your faith, and you’re wise with your actions! So wherever God calls you, you go, and you go to be a balanced blessing and a steady voice among the chaos and lies we encounter today.

One thing we need to understand is that we serve a just God. Everything He does is balanced, thought out, and successful! God isn’t going to do something just because; He is going to do something to serve a godly purpose that benefits us! In our limited minds, we can’t always see what that purpose is right away. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you that when you’re upset, confused, or frustrated with the present world, seek God on how you may need to repent first! It’s easy to just be mad at others; it’s a lot harder to take a look at your own actions; real change happens with YOU first!

The best method I use to make friends is to try to find something we relate to each other with. When we relate to each other, we can grow closer in friendship because we have common ground. Well, a good way to get to know Jesus is to understand how He was betrayed. The same way we understand the new friends we make.  In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds you that at some point in your life, you’ll be betrayed or you’ll go through suffering. It’s not because God hates you, but because it’s the best way to understand how Jesus felt before going to the cross. Luckily, you will never have to live what Jesus went through on the cross!

Have you ever been good at one sport, and then tried to learn a different sport, and you were just terrible at it? For example, being super good at soccer, but then being bad at tennis. That’s not your fault; you were just given the blessing of foot-eye coordination, but not hand-eye coordination. That’s how God made you! In today’s message, Pastor Mark says that you should know your gifts and callings, and that it’s important to USE those gifts and callings to God’s glory. And if you don’t have it, then don’t try to force it. God has made you the way He wants you to be. The best way to further God’s kingdom is to stick to what He has blessed you with. 

I grew up playing soccer, and I always looked up to my coaches because everything they taught me, they could demonstrate well. But when I went to watch them play in their games, they made the same mistakes as I did. I learned that even though they taught me everything I know, they were still humans who weren’t perfect. In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about the importance of not idolizing pastors or other Church leaders. If they made a mistake, then it would be easy for you to doubt your ability to stay holy. It’s important to remember that even though someone is in a leadership position in the church, they aren’t immune to sin.

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!