Mark Schollaert
Qualified regardless of the thorns
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9–10(NLT) Paul learned that the thorn would not hamper his calling. He can make do with the grace he has already received, and the power of Christ will become more visible as it works through his weakness. We learn from the message…
Dreaming beyond your reality
In 1975 Gary Wright wrote about dreaming in his hit single “Dream Weaver”. Lines like “…driver take away my worries of today, and leave tomorrow behind… ‘cross the highways of fantasy, help me to forget today’s pain.” Still others like RFK and MLK sought through their speeches to inspire and share their dreams to bring change to our County, culture and world. The 4th definition in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary for the word dream is “strongly desired goal or purpose”. Everybody needs a dream. And I think that everyone at some point in their lives has…
Veteran’s Day Thoughts
During the modern era and more than at any other time in our history, the Veterans of the US Military have been often misrepresented, evil is spoken of and treated horribly. Sadly, the treatment they have received at the hands of the very US citizens that they have sacrificed to protect has been brutal and as an institution, undeserved. But today as a congregation we choose to celebrate their sacrifices so that we can live the life we choose…
Secure as adopted children
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ, we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:15–17 (NLT)…
In Your Light we have see Light
Psalm 36:9 (NASB95) For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. The Bible often speaks of God in connection with light. Both Old and New Testaments use this imagery to communicate an important truth: God is concealed from us. This is not because God is hiding in the shadows, but rather because our human eyes are too weak to perceive him due to the brightness of the light in which he dwells. This metaphoric picture…
Eternity as our Goal
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:25–26 (NLT) Can you imagine the beautiful things that Asaph, the song leader of tabernacle worship would have encountered as he entered the tabernacle? There were many beautiful and impressive things made of gold, silver, and bronze that were used for serving.…
Dr. Ravi Zacharias
This brief testimony below of is of Dr. Ravi Zacharias. It is a powerful reminder of the fact that once you have a God encounter, you’ll never be the same. As you read over this list of encounters, consider where your story has had God encounters, how you’re not the same because of them. But also allow his thoughts by the ministry of the Holy Spirit to challenge you in those areas where you might still need the courage to…
Who’s the boss?
I was thinking of a song from my teen years, Tighter, Tighter by Alive & Kicking. Two lovers pledging their hearts yet worrying that they’ll lose each other (you can see it here on Youtube https://youtu.be/D_JxpggC-Ic). It made me think of how the most natural thing to do when it seems like something important to me is coming apart is to try and hold it together. If it’s a vital relationship that seems to be slipping away, I try to…
Purpose and plans for here?
“The spirit often throws him into the fire or into the water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”” Mark 9:22-24 NLT Someone recently asked me in a private moment if I really believed that God has a plan and…
The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath
One Sabbath, Jesus, and his disciples are walking through grain fields and being followed by some religious guys. These religious guys were always around Jesus, just watching for a way to discredit Him. Their jealousy and hatred for Jesus burned in them constantly. The hungry disciples started reaching out and grabbing some of the ripe grain to eat as they were walking along. Or maybe they just had what we call the munchies? Yet, in the opinion of the religious…