Mark Cole

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” — Psalm 34:18 Depression is one of the most common struggles people face today. It affects young and old, rich and poor, believers and unbelievers alike. If you are experiencing depression, you are not alone. Many faithful men and women in the Bible walked through seasons of deep sadness, discouragement,…

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He left His followers with a clear and unforgettable charge. It’s recorded in Matthew 28:19–20, often called The Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” These words are not just a closing statement…

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;test me and know my anxious thoughts.Point out anything in me that offends You,and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) These may be some of the most courageous words ever spoken in prayer. Most of us are comfortable asking God to bless us, protect us, provide for us, and help us. But David prayed something deeper. He invited God…

“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.” — Psalm 126:5-6 (NLT) One of God’s great principles is the law of sowing and reaping. Farmers understand it well. Before there is a harvest, there must be planting. Before there is fruit, there must be seed. Before there is rejoicing in the fields,…

One of the most common questions people ask is, “Does God have a plan for my life?” The answer from Scripture is a resounding yes. God is not distant, uninvolved, or unaware of your existence. He created you intentionally, loves you deeply, and has purposes for your life that extend far beyond simply earning a living, paying bills, and growing older. The Bible reveals a God who guides, directs,…

“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.” — Psalm 103:2 (NLT) One of the great weaknesses of human nature is our tendency to forget. We forget appointments. We forget names. We forget where we left our keys. But perhaps our greatest forgetfulness is spiritual—we forget the goodness of God. The Israelites were notorious for this. God delivered them…

If someone were to ask you, “Why did Jesus come to earth?” how would you answer? Many people would say, “To die for our sins.” That answer is certainly true, but it is only part of the story. Jesus came with a mission so vast and beautiful that it changed the course of history and the destiny of every person who believes in Him. Jesus Himself clearly stated His mission throughout His…

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” — Psalm 150:6 (NLT) Praise is one of the greatest privileges of the Christian life. We don’t praise God merely because life is easy; we praise Him because He is worthy. Whether we are standing on a mountain of victory or walking through a valley of difficulty, God remains good, faithful, and deserving of our worship. Here are 25…

We live in a culture that celebrates self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-promotion. We are encouraged to trust ourselves, follow our hearts, and believe in our own wisdom. Yet the book of Proverbs offers a completely different path to a healthy and successful life. Solomon writes: “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have…

One of the greatest blessings God offers us is the gift of forgiveness. People spend years carrying the weight of guilt, regret, shame, and failure. Some try to ignore it. Others try to make up for it through good works, religion, success, or busyness. Yet deep inside, many still wonder: Can I truly be forgiven? The good news of the gospel is that God not only forgives sin—He delights in…

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12 Names matter. Throughout the Bible, names often reveal a person’s character, purpose, or destiny. Abraham means “father of many nations.” Isaac means “laughter.” Peter means “rock.” When it comes to Jesus, the Bible gives Him dozens of names and titles. Each one reveals another…

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” — Proverbs 1:7 For many years, one of my favorite spiritual habits has been reading through the Book of Proverbs every month. Since Proverbs contains 31 chapters, it’s easy to read one chapter each day and complete the entire book in a month. I’ve read Proverbs dozens of times over the years, and…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” — Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) Trusting God sounds simple—until life becomes difficult. It’s easy to trust God when prayers are answered quickly, when finances are strong, when relationships are healthy, and when the future looks bright. But what about…

“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” — Psalm 36:9 “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” — John 14:6 Life is one of God’s greatest gifts. Every sunrise, every heartbeat, every breath, every child’s laugh, every friendship, every act of kindness, and every beautiful moment is a reminder that life is precious. Yet the Bible takes us even deeper. It teaches that…

“See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are!” — 1 John 3:1 (NLT) How much does God love you? It is one of life’s most important questions. Many people spend their entire lives searching for love, acceptance, and belonging. Yet the Bible reveals a wonderful truth: before you ever sought God, He was already pursuing you with His love. God’s love…

One of the most encouraging truths in the Bible is that God is a good Father who desires good things for His children. Many people view God as distant, demanding, or difficult to please. Yet Scripture paints a very different picture. From Genesis to Revelation, we see a God who loves us deeply and desires our flourishing. The Bible says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.…

Many people love Jesus but struggle with the church. Some have been hurt by leaders.Some are frustrated by hypocrisy.Some are tired of programs, politics, or performance-driven Christianity.Others simply drifted away and slowly lost connection. Yet despite all of its imperfections, the church remains deeply loved by God. To understand the church properly, we must see it through Heaven’s…