Author Archives: Mark Cole

About Mark Cole

Jesus follower, Husband, Father, Worship Leader, Writer, Pastor, Church Consultant, Founding Arranger for Praisecharts.com, squash & tennis player, blogger & outdoor enthusiast.. (biking, hiking, skiing). Twitter: @MarkMCole Facebook: mmcole

Why Does God Heal Some and Not Others?

Posted on September 28, 2024 by Mark Cole

This is a question many of us wrestle with at different points in our lives. It’s a question that often arises when we’re faced with illness or watching someone we care about suffer. As a pastor and someone who has experienced healing personally, I, too, have pondered this difficult issue. While we may not fully grasp why God chooses to heal some and not others, there are a few biblical truths that can anchor us as we navigate this profound mystery.
Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Church, God, God Adventures, Healing, Jesus, Wisdom | Tagged Bible, confidence, don't give up, eternal, faith, God heals, heal, healing, heals, mystery, prayer, praying, sickness, thorn in the flesh, Your will | 1 Comment

Serving The Church And Your Family

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Mark Cole

My pastor wants me to participate in his message on Sunday by answering this question: Mark – You are a husband, a father and a grandfather, you have served in ministry with your wife, you have raised your kids and now they serve in ministry, you have grandkids now. How have you balanced serving and family, and what has been the impact on your family that you still see to this day? Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Church, Family, God, Leadership, Music, Worship | Tagged attending church, children, church, faithfulness, family, fun, grandchildren, grandkids, holidays, Jesus, ministry, prayer, reading the Word, serving, teaching, water baptism | Leave a comment

Humility in Music and Sports: A Path to Growth and Excellence

Posted on September 22, 2024 by Mark Cole

I love to compete in sports, especially racquet sports and I also love to lead worship. I have discovered that humility is a foundational principle in both life and faith, and it plays an essential role in the worlds of music and sports. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Church, Exercise, Health, Leadership, Music, Wisdom, Worship | Tagged comeback, compete, competing, connection, Favor, focused, growth, growth mindset, humility, lessons, open, overconfidence, performance, perseverance, resilient, serve, sports, strength, true worship, wisdom | Leave a comment

The Secret to Joy

Posted on September 17, 2024 by Mark Cole

In a world obsessed with the pursuit of happiness, joy often feels elusive. We chase after success, relationships, experiences, and possessions, only to find that true joy remains just out of reach. Yet, the Bible speaks of a joy that transcends circumstances—a joy rooted not in fleeting pleasures, but in something eternal and steadfast. What is the secret to this kind of joy? Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, God, Health, Wisdom | Tagged accepted, biblical joy, challenges, eternal, God's presence, happiness, He is good, Holy Spirit, hope, identity, lasting joy, loved, pleasures, relationships, seasons, serving, success, trust God | Leave a comment

God With Us: The Power of His Presence

Posted on September 16, 2024 by Mark Cole

One of the most profound truths of the Christian faith is the reality that God not only created us but desires to dwell within us. The idea of God living in us is more than just a theological concept; it is the very foundation of how we experience life, faith, and spiritual transformation. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Church, Family, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus | Tagged believers, Christ in you, Christ lives in me, divine, faith, God breathed, hearts, His children, Holy Spirit, In us, omnipresence, profound, purpose, relationship, transformation, truths | Leave a comment

7 Keys To Starting In A New Worship Ministry

Posted on September 9, 2024 by Mark Cole

Are you starting to lead worship in a new church? Has God called you to a new ministry? It can be intimidating! I have been working in music ministry for over thirty years. Let me share what I’ve learned from my personal … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, God, Leadership, Wisdom, Worship | Tagged boldness, calling, change, church, congregation, courageous, culture, Facebook, fear not, love, memorize, new | 1 Comment

What is a Covenant to Seek the Lord?

Posted on August 30, 2024 by Mark Cole

In the pages of the Bible, we often encounter the word “covenant.” It’s a term rich with meaning, and at its core, it speaks of a deep, binding commitment between God and His people. One particular instance of this is found in 2 Chronicles 15:12, where it says, “They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul.” This ancient declaration is more than just a historical footnote; it holds profound significance for us today. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, God, God Adventures, Jesus, Wisdom | Tagged commitment, contract, covenant, fellowship, find Him, fullness of life, joy, life-changing, love, obeying, pledge, prayer, priority, pursue God, relationship, scripture, seek the Lord, Worship | Leave a comment

Thriving in Every Season

Posted on August 29, 2024 by Mark Cole

Life is a journey marked by different seasons, each with its unique challenges and opportunities. The Bible encourages us to thrive and be fruitful in every stage of life, whether in youth, middle age, or the golden years. The idea of “bearing fruit” is a powerful metaphor for living a life of purpose, productivity, and spiritual impact, regardless of our circumstances or age Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Church, Exercise, Family, God, Health, Jesus, Wisdom, Worship | Tagged bear fruit, Bible study, challenges, gratitude, Jesus, lasting fruit, learning, life, opportunities, prayer, productivity, purpose, rooted in Christ, service, Thrive, vitality, Worship | Leave a comment

The Power of Patience and Soft Speech

Posted on August 25, 2024 by Mark Cole

In our fast-paced, often confrontational world, it can be easy to underestimate the power of patience and soft speech. Yet, these virtues hold incredible influence, often in ways that are both surprising and profound. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Health, Leadership, Wisdom | Tagged change, empathy, gentle speech, influence, patience, peace, pursuade, reconciliation, soft words, strength, understanding | Leave a comment

Why Christians Should Be the Most Positive People in the World

Posted on August 24, 2024 by Mark Cole

In a world often overshadowed by uncertainty, fear, and negativity, Christians have every reason to be the most positive people on Earth. Our faith is rooted in the unshakable promises of God, which serve as a constant source of hope, strength, and joy. Let’s explore why these divine truths should make us shine as beacons of positivity in a world that so desperately needs it. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, God, God Adventures, Jesus, Wisdom | Tagged all things, confidence, eternal life, faith, forgiveness, goodness, grace, His kingdom, His purpose, Holy Spirit, joy, light, love, needs, positive, salt, scripture, sovereignty, spiritual warfare, Supply, trusting, truth, victory | Leave a comment