Blog

<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

<figure id="figure-13jkqiz7d9m1rqrypx" class=""><img id="13jkqiz7d9m1rqrypx" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/354ohRfN6Vl5ZCIvXZiALetgHFUE72YmbNynqFSY8GsyVdVjwmfjENWP1xke8pxX.jpg" alt="person catching light bulb" title="person catching light bulb" 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/354ohRfN6Vl5ZCIvXZiALetgHFUE72YmbNynqFSY8GsyVdVjwmfjENWP1xke8pxX.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear reader,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;As I sit here reflecting on my life's journey, I'm struck by the profound changes I've undergone. There was a time when I was deeply involved in activities that I now recognize as harmful - both to myself and others. I held a position of influence within an organization that I now understand was destructive. The power I once relished came at a terrible cost.Last night, my sleep was disturbed by dreams - vivid reminders of a past I'm trying to leave behind. These memories are painful, but they serve as a stark reminder of how far I've come and how much further I still need to go.The story of Jesus' crucifixion, as recounted in Luke 23:26-49, has taken on new meaning for me lately. The account of his suffering - first at the hands of men, then bearing the judgment of God - resonates in unexpected ways. I find myself drawing parallels between the darkness that fell over Golgotha and the darkness that once enveloped my own life.But just as that darkness lifted, revealing a new dawn, I too have experienced a kind of resurrection. The forgiveness I've found, though undeserved, has been transformative. It's as if the weight of my past has been lifted, allowing me to see a new path forward.I'm particularly moved by the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-8. Like him, I've been given a chance at a new life. Zacchaeus, once a chief tax collector who had gained wealth through dishonest means, encountered Jesus and was immediately transformed. He pledged to give half his possessions to the poor and to repay fourfold anyone he had cheated. His story gives me hope that radical change is possible, no matter one's past.I'm committed now to using my experiences as a force for good. Where I once spread darkness, I want to bring light. Where I caused pain, I want to offer healing. It's a daunting task, and there are days when I wonder if true redemption is possible for someone with my history.But then I remember the criminals crucified alongside Jesus - one mocking, one repentant. And I'm reminded that it's never too late for a change of heart. My past doesn't have to dictate my future.As I move forward, I'm focusing on personal growth, seeking wisdom from those who have walked similar paths of transformation. I'm learning to replace old, destructive habits with new ones rooted in compassion and understanding.There's still a long road ahead. Some days are harder than others. But I'm committed to this journey of change, hoping that my story might someday inspire others who are struggling to break free from their own darkness.Today, I choose to focus on hope, on the possibility of redemption, and on the power of love to overcome even the deepest shadows of our past.Until next timeChaplain Mark

From Sinner to Winner: A Tax Collector's Playbook

<figure id="figure-h2jp5g7mjm1rqnesu" class=""><img id="h2jp5g7mjm1rqnesu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/63FARUBrpdvef6PetV7ofsWE55IqijR7qTrHnUo7n2xJ4tXDTkPPq8c9DBh2GsaX.jpg" alt="man and woman holding each others hands" title="man and woman holding each others hands" 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/63FARUBrpdvef6PetV7ofsWE55IqijR7qTrHnUo7n2xJ4tXDTkPPq8c9DBh2GsaX.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear Reader,It's been one of those days that makes you sit back and marvel at the mysteries of life and faith. As I write this, the house is quiet, and I can't help but reflect on the incredible ways I've seen the Divine at work lately.Remember how we used to think about spirituality in such simple terms? It was all about going to services, saying the right words, doing the right things. But lately, I've been experiencing something so much deeper, so much more profound. It's like there are two different yet interconnected ways that the Divine touches our lives.First, there's this inner presence. It's hard to describe, but it's like a warm light inside, a constant companion that brings peace even in the storm. I felt it so strongly when I got that call about Dad's health scare when all the stuff started with him. In those moments of panic and uncertainty, there was this calm center within me that I can only attribute to something greater than myself.But then there's also this external force, this power that seems to come upon us in moments of need. It reminded me of what happened at the community center a few years ago back home. We were organizing a fundraiser for the Johnson family? Everything was going wrong - the caterer cancelled, half the volunteers got sick, and the venue had double-booked us. I was ready to throw in the towel.And then, it was like a switch flipped. Suddenly, I had this surge of energy and clarity. Ideas were flowing, problems were solving themselves, and I was speaking with a confidence I didn't know I had. People later told me that my words inspired them to pitch in and make it all happen. In that moment, I felt like I was tapping into something beyond myself, a strength that wasn't my own.It's fascinating, isn't it? This interplay between the inner essence and the external empowerment. I've been thinking a lot about how these two aspects work together in our spiritual journey.The inner presence seems to be about transformation - slowly changing us from the inside out. It's in the quiet moments, the small choices, the gradual shift in perspective. Like how I've found myself becoming more patient with the kids, or how I'm learning to find joy in the mundane tasks of everyday life.And then there's the empowering force that seems to come upon us when we need it most. It's not always dramatic, but it's unmistakable. It's in those moments when we surprise ourselves with our own courage or wisdom. Like when I finally stood up to that bully at work, or when I found the right words to comfort Sarah after her breakup.I wonder how many times we miss these moments? How often do we attribute them to coincidence or our own abilities, rather than recognizing them as sacred encounters?As I look ahead to the coming weeks, with all their challenges and opportunities, I feel a sense of anticipation. What new facets of this divine presence will I discover? How will I be changed? How will I be empowered to impact others?I guess what I'm trying to say, dear reader, is that we're on an incredible journey. Our task isn't just to go through the motions of life, but to be aware, to be open to these two beautiful ways the Divine moves in and through us.So here's to tomorrow, and all the days after. Let's approach them with open eyes and an open heart. Let's nurture that inner flame and be ready for those moments when we're called to be more than we thought we could be.Until next time, Chaplain Mark

Divine Double-Dipping

<figure id="figure-omsqrcf72m1rqkv0b"><img id="omsqrcf72m1rqkv0b" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/71Y88FuZrJ94h9ruY7BlshU0Y34Ji0PsmD2KTC6X4HBgg2Ydm82KFByKZIx2xxR9.jpg" alt="two person's arms" title="two person's arms" 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/71Y88FuZrJ94h9ruY7BlshU0Y34Ji0PsmD2KTC6X4HBgg2Ydm82KFByKZIx2xxR9.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear reader&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Today, I found myself pondering the deep concepts of reconciliation and atonement. It struck me how these ideas apply not just in our everyday relationships, but also in our spiritual lives.I realized that reconciliation always involves two parties - one who's done wrong and another who's been wronged. The offender has to make things right, to meet the demands of the one they've hurt. It made me think about times when I've hurt someone or owed them something. There's always this tension, this unresolved issue between us until I step up and address it.The word "atonement" really caught my attention. I never noticed before how it can be broken down into "at-one-ment". It's all about bringing two separated parties back together, making them "at one" again. It's a beautiful concept when you think about it.In my spiritual life, I've often felt this separation from God. I've always been taught that my sins create this divide, keeping me from having a close relationship with Him. It's like there's this barrier that I can't break through on my own.That's where Jesus comes in, according to my faith. His sacrifice on the cross is supposed to be this ultimate act of reconciliation. It's mind-boggling to think about - that his death could bridge this massive gap between humanity and God. The idea that this one act could satisfy God's justice and restore our relationship with Him is powerful stuff.I'm not sure I fully grasp it all, but I find comfort in the idea that even when I mess up, there's a way back to harmony with God. It's like no matter how far I stray, there's always a path to reconciliation, to becoming "at one" with Him again.These thoughts have given me a lot to reflect on, especially about my own relationships. How can I apply these principles of reconciliation in my daily life? How can I be more proactive in mending rifts and restoring harmony with others? It's definitely something I want to work on moving forward.Until next timeChaplain Mark

Reflections on Reconciliation and Atonement

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

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.