The Roman philosopher Seneca once wrote, “Difficulties strengthen the mind as labor strengthens the body.” Though he was a Roman philosopher, far removed from the world of ancient Israel, his observation rings with a truth the Bible affirms again and again: God allows challenges, not to break us, but to form us, mature us, and draw us closer to his heart.In scripture, trials are never meaningless....

Every Saturday morning, I take part in a Bible study. Last Saturday, our scripture was Mat.5:13-20. “You are the light of the world”, Jesus said. He continued by saying: “A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that the...

Inspired by Rev. Dubuisson’s “SEASON OF REST” preaching series, I have been spending some time thinking about the meaning of REST for the believer. One thing that becomes clear is that looking at REST in the spiritual realm is quite different from looking at it in just the physical realm, even though that is usually where we start.Browsing through the Bible, we first find REST in the book of Genes...

I remember a conversation with someone who told me that every January feels heavy. Not because they are afraid of what is coming, but because of what is still following them. They said, “Every new beginning reminds me of what I did not finish, what I did not fix, what I meant to do differently.” They were not looking for advice nor asking for a solution. They were naming a truth many of us live wi...

The other day, I stood in a room I know well. Nothing was new, yet everything felt different. I noticed the scuff on the wall I had stopped seeing. The chair that once felt comfortable now felt worn. A few things still belonged. Others had stayed simply because they always had. I realized I had been living around them without ever asking whether they still served the life I am in now.That is what ...

When I think about leadership, especially church leadership, my mind often goes to responsibility, decision-making, and the weight of getting it right. Leadership can feel heavy. It can feel exposed. And, it can feel exhausting, especially at the end of a year like this one. As we close out 2025, a year that has held more than its fair share of challenges, change, and uncertainty, I’ve been reflec...

Let’s take a step back in time and recall the first Christmas etched in the recesses of our memories. The excitement of witnessing the preparation of delicacies, begging to wipe the cake batter pan with our fingers, please, hearing the rustling of wrapping paper, and the distinct smell of the ham baking in the oven. Waiting with great expectation for the break of dawn when, miraculously, gifts wou...

On the last Sunday of November, the 5th Sunday of St. Mark’s 145th anniversary celebration, families and friends, young and old – the St. Mark’s Faith Community – gathered for a vibrant service which included the participation of the Choralaires and the Celestial choirs. I was happy to see so many people whom I have not seen in such a long time. The 145th Anniversary theme “A Family Reunion: Faith...

Mary sings because of a Child. Not a royal child wrapped in privilege, but a holy Child wrapped in promise. This Child is the reason her voice rises even when her life feels uncertain. He turns fear into courage and waiting into worship. Before he ever takes his first breath, he teaches her how to praise again.As we sit with her song, we settle into our own longings. This season often stirs a quie...

We have just stepped into the season of Advent, a time when the church slows its breathing and leans toward the promise of Christ. Advent is the doorway to a new year in the life of faith. It invites us to wait with intention, to watch for light in places that feel dim, and to trust that God is already moving toward us with hope, peace, joy, and love. This season reminds us that even when the worl...