Monthly Archives: January 2025

Learning To Shine Brighter

Posted on January 4, 2025 by Mark Cole

rightens into the full brilliance of day? It’s a breathtaking transformation, and it’s the perfect metaphor for the journey of the righteous found in Proverbs 4:18:

“The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.”

This verse paints a vivid picture of what it means to live a life aligned with God’s ways—a life that grows increasingly radiant as we walk with Him. Let’s unpack this promise and explore how we can live it out. Continue reading →

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Lessons from the Temptations of Jesus: Overcoming Life’s Challenges as Believers

Posted on January 4, 2025 by Mark Cole

In Matthew 4, we read the account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. After fasting for forty days and nights, Jesus faced three distinct temptations from Satan. Each one was an attempt to derail His mission and test His identity as the Son of God. Jesus’ response to these challenges provides us with powerful lessons about standing firm in faith and overcoming temptations in our own lives. Continue reading →

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My Top Worship Songs for 2025

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Mark Cole

Picking great songs for your congregation and worship band is one of the most important tasks of a worship leader. Great songs have a sense of God’s Spirit on them. Great worship songs make you want to sing them again and again. Great songs cause your spirit to rise in worship to the Lord. Continue reading →

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The Five Women in the Genealogy of Jesus

Posted on January 1, 2025 by Mark Cole

The genealogy of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:1–17), is more than just a list of names. It’s a tapestry of God’s redemptive plan, woven with the lives of unexpected and extraordinary individuals. Among them are five remarkable women whose inclusion breaks cultural norms and speaks volumes about God’s grace, inclusivity, and sovereignty. Let’s explore their stories and their significance in the lineage of Christ. Continue reading →

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The First Lie: “Did God Really Say…?”

Posted on January 1, 2025 by Mark Cole

Genesis 3:1 introduces us to a pivotal moment in human history. The Bible says, “The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, ‘Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?’” This seemingly innocent question set the stage for humanity’s fall into sin. It wasn’t a blatant denial of God’s command but a subtle twist designed to sow doubt in Eve’s heart. This strategy remains one of Satan’s most effective tactics today. Continue reading →

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