This month we will engage in our first 2018 “GO - Lift Every Church” project. I am sure that you know by now that these projects are designed to bless and lift up other churches in Stockton so that together we can effectively reach this city for Jesus as well as enhance our unity with other fellowships.

We’re all familiar with the age-old admonishment to ‘choose our friends wisely’. In this episode, Pastor Marc offers up some fresh thoughts as to just how important this is to our well-being as we go through life.

I am pleased and thrilled to announce that the Elders have voted to enlarge the staff role of Brandon Smith here at Quail to full time. For many years now, Brandon has had a part time role in which he was the primary teacher/leader in the young adult congregation called “Refresh.” Over the span of his leadership, that ministry has grown both in numbers and in quality of relationships.

What really matters in life? In this ep, Pastor Marc riffs on why it's so important to be intentional about stripping away the trivial, and hone our ability to focus on what really matters—with His help.

At Quail, everyone has a story. This is Tim’s.

It was some time ago that the staff here in the office came to me with information regarding a growing trend among churches. It was that in order to make giving as convenient as possible for the giver, many churches were enabling people to make donations via text. I must admit that at first this seemed a little farfetched to me, but we were able to initiate this process in 2015. Since then, I have been amazed when I have received the reports that come my way. Particularly in 2017, we saw a surge in giving through this process.

How will you approach the New Year? Are you ready to do so in a way that allows you to grow as a person, and closer to God? Pastor Marc offers some valuable guidance on how we can do just that.

When you consider the Great Commission that Jesus left us, the action that is called for is “make disciples. …go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matt. 28:19)

That is the job description of the church and, in fact, of every believer in Jesus Christ. In order to accomplish that, we need to keep a few things in mind. Here is my take on the most important points:

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.

We all have a story... this is Yee’s.

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…

1. Don’t forget that the Bible is not a magic book.

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.

At Quail, everyone has a story. This is Andrea’s.

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 4^th 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?

1. To hear God’s voice we must be one of His children.

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.

At Quail, everyone has a story. This is Jamie’s.

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!

At Quail, everyone has a story. This is Allesandra’s.

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.

At Quail, everyone has a story. This is Tim’s.

"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.

At Quail, everyone has a story. This is Leroy’s.

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.

At Quail, everyone has a story. This is Lorraine’s.

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.

At Quail, everyone has a story. This is Jeff’s.

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...

At Quail, everyone has a story. This is Cynthia’s.

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!

We all have a story... this is Miyako’s.

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!