Blog

<figure id="figure-0fs1kyksgm1yqydgr" class=""><img id="0fs1kyksgm1yqydgr" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/21Btw1LALdaLR3HGK6Ob3OR3biY8aqXAtHT8CZSy5zy8jt6CC3rsccUYgsuEiQCW.jpg" alt="man and woman sitting on sofa in a room" title="man and woman sitting on sofa in a room" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/21Btw1LALdaLR3HGK6Ob3OR3biY8aqXAtHT8CZSy5zy8jt6CC3rsccUYgsuEiQCW.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>This morning, I spent time meditating on Romans 7:3-4, and it's given me a profound insight into my spiritual journey. The passage uses the analogy of marriage to explain our relationship with Christ, and it's truly eye-opening.Paul talks about how a woman is free to remarry without being called unfaithful if her husband dies. He then applies this to our spiritual lives. Just as death frees someone from the bonds of marriage, Christ's death has freed me from the authority of the law. It's not that the law was bad, but it couldn't save me. Now, through Christ's sacrifice, I'm free to be united with Him.What really struck me was the idea of having two identities as a believer. I have my old self, born from humanity's fall, and my new self, born through spiritual rebirth. It's like I was both the husband and the wife in this spiritual marriage analogy.The part about my old self dying with Christ on the cross was particularly powerful. I didn't choose to die; Christ chose it for me. When He was crucified, in a very real sense, I was crucified too. My old self, bound by sin and the law, died there.Paul's imagery of a simultaneous funeral and wedding is beautiful and profound. As my old self is buried, my new self is married to Christ. It's a complete transformation - out with the old, in with the new.This new identity, united with the resurrected Christ, isn't just for my own benefit. It's so that I can "bear fruit for God." This means living in a way that honors Him, doing good works not to earn salvation, but as a result of it.As I reflect on this, I'm filled with gratitude. Christ's death didn't just save me from something, it saved me for something. I'm no longer bound by the law but freed to live in union with Christ. It's a reminder that every day is an opportunity to live out this new identity, to bear fruit, and to honor the incredible sacrifice that made it all possible.I want to keep this perspective fresh in my mind. When I'm tempted to fall back into old patterns or to try to earn God's favor through my own efforts, I'll remember: the old has gone, the new has come. I'm united with Christ, and that changes everything.Until next timeChaplain Mark

New Life in Christ: Reflections on Romans 7:3-4

<figure id="figure-modoefi7nm1xb7ymt" class=""><img id="modoefi7nm1xb7ymt" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1fGQhzeXaTeCh1k1ewV8Idi7CoeGc7zMtAYMlWE5Eh2MNpcSd5cokUaW4GrYnMjO.jpg" alt="photo of person reach out above the water" title="photo of person reach out above the water" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1fGQhzeXaTeCh1k1ewV8Idi7CoeGc7zMtAYMlWE5Eh2MNpcSd5cokUaW4GrYnMjO.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Today, I've been pondering Romans 7:7-8. It's funny how sometimes you can read a passage you've seen a hundred times before, and suddenly it hits you in a completely new way.The whole concept of the law and its purpose has been turning over in my mind. I used to think that God gave us laws simply as a checklist of dos and don'ts. You know, like a cosmic rulebook for being a good person. But now I'm starting to see it differently.It's like the law is this mirror that God holds up to us, not to make us feel bad, but to help us see ourselves clearly. Without it, we might never realize how much we need help. It's kind of like when you don't notice you have something stuck in your teeth until someone hands you a mirror!I found myself laughing a bit when I thought about the command "love your neighbor as yourself." How many times have I tried and failed at that one? Even back in school, loving my classmates as much as myself seemed impossible. And don't even get me started on coveting - the more I try not to want things, the more I seem to want them!It's humbling to realize that no matter how hard I try, I can't perfectly follow all these rules. But maybe that's the point. Maybe God knew we'd struggle and fail, and that's exactly why He gave us the law. Not to crush us under impossible standards, but to show us that we need something - or someone - beyond ourselves.This whole reflection has got me thinking about grace in a new way. If the law shows us our need, then grace must be the answer to that need. I want to dig deeper into this idea. Maybe tomorrow I'll spend some time looking at how Paul connects this concept to the good news about Jesus.For now, though, I'm sitting with this new perspective. It's both humbling and freeing to realize that the point was never about my ability to follow rules perfectly. Instead, it's about recognizing my need and being open to God's solution.Note to self: Look up more on this topic. Romans 3:20 and 4:15 seem relevant - should study those next. Until next timeChaplain Mark

Law and Disorder: My Spiritual Identity Crisis

scrabble chips forming shift happens word near white feather

<figure id="figure-euv0mbr4zm1vy416u" class="selected"><img id="euv0mbr4zm1vy416u" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1578048421563-9aa187e12baf?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxOXx8dHJhbnNmb3JtYXRpb258ZW58MHx8fHwxNzI4MTIwMTc0fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="scrabble chips forming shift happens word near white feather" title="scrabble chips forming shift happens word near white feather" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1578048421563-9aa187e12baf?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxOXx8dHJhbnNmb3JtYXRpb258ZW58MHx8fHwxNzI4MTIwMTc0fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Rom 7:1 Or are you ignorant, brothers (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law lords it over the man as long as he lives? (2) For the married woman is bound by the law to her husband while he is living; but if the husband dies, she is discharged from the law regarding the husband.Today, I've been thinking about how much my spiritual life has changed. It's weird to remember my old life as a Satanist priest and see how different things are now.Back then, I had very different ideas about life and faith:I didn't believe in following a God. Instead, I thought people should rely on themselves. I told others they didn't need God's help. I said we could make our own rules and be our own gods. We didn't care about traditional religious ideas. We thought being independent from God was good, not bad. Now, when I look back, I'm amazed at how much I've changed. It wasn't easy to change my mind about these big ideas. I had to face a lot of doubts and ask myself hard questions.These days, I'm starting to like the idea of having a close relationship with God. I used to laugh at this idea, but now it makes me feel good. I'm trying to find a balance between doing things on my own and trusting in God.I've learned that it's okay to admit we can't do everything alone. Now I see that there might be a reason for God's rules, even if I don't always understand them.Sometimes I wonder:How do I make sense of what I used to believe and what I believe now? Can I use what I learned in the past to help other people who are changing their spiritual ideas? I don't have all the answers, but I'm glad I can think about these things. My time as a Satanist priest taught me a lot, even if I don't believe those things anymore. It helps me understand different ways of thinking about faith.This whole experience has taught me to keep an open mind. I've learned that sometimes we have to question what we believe to grow. As I move forward, I'm using what I learned in the past to build a better connection with God now.Until next timeChaplain Mark

Hell's Bells to Heaven's Yells: A Soulful Switcheroo

<figure id="figure-hzukcs7clom1ugtapq" class=""><img id="hzukcs7clom1ugtapq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23yBON0YkA1YJXZZXjx54htLgRlppYa5GBMV27Uad8bI7ncJGO9XG1mlXQbscTD0.jpg" alt="man and woman sitting on sofa in a room" title="man and woman sitting on sofa in a room" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23yBON0YkA1YJXZZXjx54htLgRlppYa5GBMV27Uad8bI7ncJGO9XG1mlXQbscTD0.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear reader &nbsp;Scripture Reading: Romans 6:13, 19"Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness." (v.13)"Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness." (v.19)Personal Reflection:It's 5:30 AM, and the house is quiet. I'm sitting in my favorite armchair, coffee in hand, trying to focus on these verses. But if I'm honest, my mind is already racing with today's to-do list. Deep breath. I need to slow down and really let these words sink in."Brought from death to life..." That phrase hits home today. Just last week marked five years since I got sober. I remember how dead I felt inside during those dark days of addiction. The shame, the secrecy, the constant battle with myself. Now, five years later, I can truly say I feel alive again. It hasn't been an easy journey, but God's grace has been evident every step of the way.But even now, I struggle with fully offering myself to God. Old habits die hard. Just yesterday, I caught myself mindlessly scrolling through social media instead of engaging with my kids after dinner. It's not alcohol anymore, but I still find ways to numb out, to avoid being fully present. Is this offering myself as an instrument of righteousness? Hardly.The word "slave" makes me uncomfortable. In our modern context, it feels wrong. But when I dig deeper, I realize how accurately it describes my relationship with sin in the past. I was enslaved to my addiction, to my need for approval, to my fear of vulnerability. Now, Paul is calling me to transfer that level of devotion to righteousness. It's a daily choice, and some days I choose better than others.I think about the different parts of myself mentioned in verse 13:My mind: Still prone to anxious thoughts and self-doubt. But I'm learning to take those thoughts captive, to offer them up to God instead of letting them spiral. My hands: Capable of so much good, yet often idle or self-serving. I want to use them more intentionally to serve others, to create, to comfort. My mouth: A constant battleground. Words of encouragement and words of criticism wage war on my tongue daily. I'm trying to be more mindful of the power of my words. My eyes: Windows to a world of both beauty and temptation. I'm working on training them to see the good, to notice the needs around me. My heart: Oh, how it wavers. One moment fully devoted, the next distracted and lukewarm. I long for consistency in my affections for God. Yesterday's struggle was real. Sarah, my coworker, dropped the ball on a project we've been working on for months. I was furious. In the past, I would have lashed out, making sure everyone knew it was her fault. Instead, I stepped away, took a few deep breaths, and prayed. When I approached her later, I was able to express my concerns calmly and even offer support. It wasn't perfect, but it was progress. A small victory in offering myself as an instrument of righteousness.Prayer:Father, as I start this new day, I come to You with all my contradictions and inconsistencies. You know me better than I know myself.I offer You my mind - still muddy with sleep and already cluttered with worries about the day ahead. Clear away the fog, Lord. Help me to fix my thoughts on You.I offer You my hands - they'll be busy today with emails, meetings, and household chores. May they find moments of sacred pause to fold in prayer, to reach out to someone in need.I offer You my mouth - guard my speech today, Lord. Let me be quick to encourage and slow to criticize. Help me speak truth in love, even when it's difficult.I offer You my eyes - sharpen my vision to see beyond the surface. Help me notice the pain behind the smiles, the opportunities to show Your love in small ways.I offer You my heart - with all its messy emotions and conflicting desires. Align my heart with Yours, even if it means uncomfortable changes.Thank You for the new life You've given me. I'm still learning what it means to live fully alive in You. Help me to choose righteousness moment by moment today, even when it's hard, even when I stumble.Until next timeChaplain Mark

From Scrolling to Soul-ing: A Recovering People-Pleaser's Morning Musings

<figure id="figure-sazacevromm1syxc1b" class=""><img id="sazacevromm1syxc1b" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fb5WobUNTTYYMkRkyFbUOKhdKz5TMDbqPjCNPapvCTEoiD4HELrTh2gGalAhbkHQ.jpg" alt="man sitting on chair covering his eyes" title="man sitting on chair covering his eyes" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fb5WobUNTTYYMkRkyFbUOKhdKz5TMDbqPjCNPapvCTEoiD4HELrTh2gGalAhbkHQ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear reader,Today, I found myself pondering the nature of prayer and our relationship with God. It started when I came across those familiar verses from Matthew and James about asking, seeking, and knocking. But this time, they struck me differently.I've always wondered why an all-knowing, all-powerful being would wait for us to reach out before acting. Wouldn't they already know our needs? It seems almost paradoxical.But as I sat with this thought, a new perspective began to emerge. What if prayer isn't about informing or persuading the divine, but about aligning ourselves with a greater purpose? Perhaps it's less about changing God's mind and more about opening our own hearts and minds to new possibilities.I'm starting to see prayer as a form of co-creation. It's not just about asking for things, but about actively participating in the unfolding of something greater than ourselves. It's like we're being invited to be part of the process, to engage with the universe in a meaningful way.This shift in perspective is both exciting and a bit overwhelming. It means I have a more active role in my spiritual life than I previously thought. It's not about sitting back and waiting for divine intervention, but about actively engaging, exploring, and reaching out.I'm curious to see how this new understanding will affect my prayer life going forward. Will I approach it with a different attitude? Will I be more mindful of my intentions? How might this change the way I interpret the events in my life?One thing's for sure: I'll never look at that "knock and the door will be opened" verse the same way again. It's no longer about a passive waiting game, but an invitation to active participation in something profound and mysterious.As I close this entry, I feel a sense of anticipation. I'm eager to explore this new perspective further, to see how it might deepen my spiritual practice and understanding. Who knows what doors might open as I engage more fully in this cosmic dance of asking, seeking, and knocking?Until next timeChaplain Mark

Heavenly Hide and Seek: Turns Out, I'm 'It

<figure id="figure-70btr87lzfam1rqyl02"><img id="70btr87lzfam1rqyl02" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24K03ZbUN7MOGaNhHjWIX0tyrtWElLnYX0lPv7o69hwqnoRpj1I8bKRrqlz2gGh5.jpg" alt="woman sitting on black chair in front of glass-panel window with white curtains" title="woman sitting on black chair in front of glass-panel window with white curtains" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24K03ZbUN7MOGaNhHjWIX0tyrtWElLnYX0lPv7o69hwqnoRpj1I8bKRrqlz2gGh5.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear Reader,Today, as I sit in the quiet of my study, the weight of my past and the hope for my future collide in a storm of emotion. I find myself drawn to John 14:2-3 and verse 20, passages that have taken on new meaning in light of my journey."In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.""In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you."These words echo in my mind, a stark contrast to the darkness I once embraced. The nightmares still come - visions of sacrifices, faces of those I hurt, whispers of spells cast in shadowy rooms. My time in Satanism left scars that run deep, deeper than I ever imagined possible.How can there be a place prepared for someone like me? The guilt threatens to suffocate me some days. The memory of rituals, the weight of the harm I've caused - it all seems too much to bear. And yet, these verses speak of preparation, of a place being made ready.I wonder if this preparation isn't just about creating a heavenly home, but about the painstaking work of redemption. Perhaps, for those of us who've walked in darkness, this preparation involves breaking chains, dismantling the altars we built to false gods, and carefully, painfully, extracting the poison of our past actions from our souls.The journey from where I was to where I hope to be seems impossibly long. Each step is a battle - against my own memories, against the habits and thoughts ingrained by years of dark practices, against the very real consequences of my actions. But each step is also a choice, a tiny rebellion against the darkness that once claimed me.There are days when I don't believe redemption is possible for me. The faces of those I've hurt haunt me, the echoes of dark incantations ring in my ears. But then I read, "In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you," and I dare to hope. Could it be that even I might one day experience such union, such belonging?As I continue this journey, I cling to the promise of these verses. They remind me that no matter how far I've strayed, a place is being prepared. They give me the courage to face each day, to continue the work of making amends, of seeking forgiveness, of transforming my life.The path ahead is long and arduous, but I'm committed to walking it. From the depths of Satanism to the light of divine love - it's a journey I never thought possible, yet here I am, taking it one day at a time.Until next time,Chaplain Mark

Brimstone to Blessings: A Chaplain's Tale

Diggin-deeper Christian Counseling

Welcome to Diggin-deeper Christian Counseling
Our Ministry
Located in Sparta, Michigan, Diggin-deeper Christian Counseling stands as a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual renewal and personal transformation. Our ministry is built on the foundation of faith-based guidance, offering a haven where individuals can freely explore their relationship with God while addressing life's challenges.

We believe that true healing and growth happen when spiritual wisdom meets professional counseling. Through our Christ-centered approach, we help clients:

Discover deeper meaning in their faith journey
Build stronger relationships
Navigate life's challenges with Biblical wisdom
Foster emotional and spiritual well-being
Find practical solutions to personal struggles
Meet Chaplain Mark

As the founder of Diggin-deeper Christian Counseling, Chaplain Mark brings both professional expertise and heartfelt dedication to his role as your Community Chaplain. With a Master's degree in Christian counseling, he combines academic knowledge with genuine compassion to provide comprehensive spiritual support.

His Approach
Chaplain Mark's counseling style is rooted in:

Compassionate listening
Biblical wisdom
Professional expertise
Practical guidance
Spiritual encouragement
He specializes in helping individuals through:

Relationship challenges
Anxiety and depression
Faith exploration and growth
Personal development
Life transitions
His Mission
Chaplain Mark is dedicated to creating a welcoming space where you can:

Share your struggles without judgment
Explore your faith journey openly
Receive professional guidance
Develop practical coping tools
Strengthen your relationship with God
Discover your divine purpose
Our Promise to You
At Diggin-deeper, we understand that seeking counseling is a significant step. We promise to provide:

A safe, confidential environment
Christ-centered guidance
Professional expertise
Practical solutions
Ongoing support
Genuine compassion
Your journey toward healing and wholeness begins here. Let us walk alongside you as you discover God's purpose for your life and experience the transformative power of faith-based counseling.

 
Located in Sparta, Michigan, Diggin-deeper Christian Counseling welcomes all who seek spiritual guidance and personal growth through Christ-centered counseling.

Contact us today to begin your journey toward spiritual and emotional well-being.

Daily Grace Notes

New Life in Christ: Reflections on Romans 7:3-4

Law and Disorder: My Spiritual Identity Crisis

Hell's Bells to Heaven's Yells: A Soulful Switcheroo

From Scrolling to Soul-ing: A Recovering People-Pleaser's...

Heavenly Hide and Seek: Turns Out, I'm 'It

Brimstone to Blessings: A Chaplain's Tale