Christmas, again this year. Hustle, bustle, shipping madness, busyness, stress, etc. But if we pause and truly look for what’s important, it makes a world of difference!
All wisdom is valuable, but not all advice is. Pastor Marc looks at the life of David to illustrate this point and offers guidance to discern true wisdom.
Recently our own Sandi Cornett traveled to Houston to serve in the relief efforts sponsored by Samaritans Purse as they responded to hurricane Harvey. Sandi is a Pediatric Physical Therapy Assistant here in Stockton and has been attending Quail for almost 10 years. She and I dialogued about this experience of self-mobilized missions and here is what she said.
Recently I saw the piece by Professor Todd Miles of Western Seminary. He had some good ideas about what we must remember not to forget as we study our Bibles. These simple points will help us stay away from bad habits than can creep into our time in the Word. Here they are…
One of the most basic, yet meaningful things in this life is the expression of kindness. Pastor Marc underscores this powerful truth in this month’s Moment.
Deut. 8:10, 17-18
“When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land He has given you…But remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers…” NIV
In Deuteronomy 8, God warned his people not to forget that it was by His hand of blessing that they were able to enjoy their prosperity. It is an interesting paradox that people will cry out to God for help when they are having financial problems and then forget about Him when things are going well.
Encouragement is golden! But what if we are in a situation where there is no encouragement to be found outside ourselves? Pastor Marc offers a unique perspective into how we can muster needed encouragement from within, through God's word.
On March 4th of 2016, an article was published in the Wall Street Journal entitled, “At Its Heart, Science is Faith –Based, Too.” Written by Matt Emerson, the article detailed a February 11, 2016 experiment where scientists detected gravitational waves which emanated from a deep space collision 1.3 billion light years from Earth. The news confirmed, to their satisfaction, the 1915 theory of Albert Einstein that there was a ripple effect in space-time.
Italian physicist Carlo Rovelli, commenting on this event, stated that the scientists were pursuing a “dream based on faith in reason: that the logical deductions of Einstein and his mathematics would be reliable.”
How many times have we heard or spoken of the need to stretch so we’ll grow? In this ep, Pastor Marc uses an appropriate analogy to illustrate this point.
The potter working his clay on a potting wheel is a well-known Biblical metaphor for how God shapes us, and that includes—sometimes—Him "crushing our pot". But there’s a good ending to the story! Watch, and be encouraged...
Countless times through the ages, the question has been asked, “How can we recognize the voice of God?” Many times in Scripture we read of God speaking to people audibly, and often they did not recognize it as God at first. (Gideon and Samuel come to mind!) So what are we to think about this?
We all understand the concept of on-the-job training. But it also applies to the way in which God supplies us with what we need, to do the tasks He calls us to do, when we step out in faith to do them. Pastor Marc explains...
When God takes us through times of trial and testing, it’s always for His greater purpose and our growth. Pastor Marc offers valuable insight into what this means in our lives.
There’s an old Yiddish expression: “Man plans, God laughs!”. While humorous, the reality is this: There IS a wise, God-blessed way to go about making plans, as Pastor Marc outlines for us in this month's episode.
We’ve all heard the term, ‘making memories’—and here’s where the rubber meets the road. In this ep, Pastor Marc speaks of the enduring value of investing in the lives of those closest to us, as the Apostle Paul did. The blessings that result are timeless!
Don’t you love how God does some of His most important work through the humblest of people? In this Christmas ep of AMwPM, Pastor Marc considers the shepherds and the lessons we gain from God using them in spreading the original “good news”. Enjoy... and Merry Christmas!
One of the most destructive weapons the enemy wields against us is discouragement. But let’s flip that on its head! We all possess a greater weapon: the ability to influence and nourish the outlook of others in a positive way, through simple words of encouragement. And yet, we often fail to speak this warmth and light into others’ lives. Today's ep from Pastor Marc offers insight and encouragement on doing just that.
“But...” “Yet...” Two words that mean a great deal in the context of Pastor Marc’s teaching in this ep of AMwPM. A great lesson on having faith in the plan and omniscience of God.
"Ask God." How much more simple can it get? Seems that would be our first inclination when facing decisions we are unsure about. Yet often... we simply don't. Pastor Marc addresses this with a word of encouragement and guidance.
Let’s face it - rebuke is not our favorite thing. Yet we know discipline from a loving parent is good for us. If we can learn to embrace loving rebuke, we grow and mature. It’s the same way with God, our heavenly Father, as Pastor Marc explains...
For some, the idea of praying for patience brings to mind the old expression about “being careful what you ask for”. But praying for patience is a good thing, and Pastor Marc explains how courageous prayers like this can help mature us into better and stronger believers.
One of the most difficult things to do is treat others well and compassionately when they have treated us poorly. Pastor Marc speaks to this stuff of grace as modeled by Joseph. What an amazing example!
Anything that's built to endure must start with a strong and firm foundation. Our faith walk is a powerful example of this truth, as Pastor Marc explains in this ep. Enjoy!
Trouble... None of us are immune from it. How do YOU deal with it? Pastor Marc outlines a Biblical three-way approach to enlist the help of our loving God, and those who love us, to help us through the tough times.
Worry. Who doesn't? But God has given us some wonderful encouragement in His word, which Pastor Marc draws together in this ep. So watch, and hear God's voice in these reassuring passages—something solid to rest in next time worry overtakes you.
How does it feel to know that each of us, that YOU, are God’s workmanship? That amazing nugget from Ephesians 2:10 speaks to our potential, what we were made to be, what we can be... with God’s guidance and help. Pastor Marc offers some solid tips on how we can move toward realizing the God-designed potential within each of us.
OK, get ready... time for a pep talk! In this ep of AMwPM, Pastor Marc encourages us to “keep on keepin' on”. It’s a refreshing reminder that we have divine resources beyond our own energies. And, that the passion he fuels us with—coupled with the initiative of our own efforts—makes all the difference! Enjoy these words of encouragement...
ENVY. One of the "seven deadly sins", it's something we all experience at some point... maybe on a regular basis. But be encouraged! In this ep, Pastor Marc offers an insightful look into the root of envy... and a practical and effective approach to battling it in our own lives.
God is a God of order. Much of what He accomplishes, He does through appointments. Intrigued? In this ep, Pastor Marc looks at this fascinating aspect of God's nature and how He uses appointments to effect his will and work in our lives.
We've all heard and maybe used the term, “Chill out, dude!”—but here’s where it gets personal. Pastor Marc talks to us about what Canadian preacher A. B. Simpson calls “Godly inactivity” in the context of “being still” and “knowing that He is God". If you struggle with busyness, anxiety or worry (and who doesn't?), we trust this message will help you regain your center, and your rest, in Him.
Time: Never enough. Or is there? Well, it depends on how you view your priorities in the context of our calling as Christians. Pastor Marc takes a look at our perception of time using our Lord as an example while He was on earth. Good perspective!
Doubt—we all know it well. In this ep, Pastor Marc speaks to the nature of doubt and its relationship to faith (in contrast to knowledge). A refreshing perspective!
If we believe what we say we believe, here’s where the rubber meets the road. As Pastor Marc reminds us, others who don't know the Lord need what we have... so we need to share it!
There is often a tremendous gulf between how we see ourselves—often colored by others' perception of us—and how God truly sees us through His eyes of love. Put another way, our perception is not always His reality. Pastor Marc explores this misperception and offers encouragement to help us gain God's perspective.
What would it be like to have a glimpse of Heaven? How would we live our lives if we were allowed, as Steven was, a glimpse into Eternity? Pastor Marc encourages us to do exactly that—to strive for an "eternal viewpoint" that transcends our here-and-now reality. Liberating stuff!
What does it mean to “be a Theophilus”? Pastor Marc uses this Biblical figure to illustrate the essential lesson of being loved by God, and loving God.
Sometimes in the economy of God's provision, one special, defining moment is enough to bring true contentment. Pastor Marc recounts the simple fulfillment of Simeon’s desire in this story from the Gospel of Luke. We hope you enjoy this simple yet profound lesson!
If Christmas was just about a baby in a manger, it would be pretty shallow. But this was the birth of our Lord and Savior, the one true Christ who shepherds and guides us, and in Whom all our ANSWERS to life's questions are found. In this ep, Pastor Marc explores this aspect of our Lord.
Today Pastor Marc shares a little more on the theme of not giving up, first addressed in AMwPM ep #8 (“Don't Give Up!”). In this episode, we learn that developing a lifestyle of perseverance is both Biblical and critically important, particularly given the difficulties of this life. It’s a great reminder, and an encouragement!
El-Shaddai... “God Almighty”. Pastor Marc breaks down one of the better-known names of God and connects the dots for us regarding the attributes associated with this name.
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