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an old building with a tree in front of it

<figure id="figure-1cep45eq4em3u2j5kz"><img id="1cep45eq4em3u2j5kz" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1453481634/photo/romans-chapter-1-verse-16-17.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=z2zJ07godkR1v6QUVMrtoCxw5IYOZAKI-VpDIXWkChQ=" alt="Romans Chapter 1 verse 16-17" title="Romans Chapter 1 verse 16-17" 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://media.gettyimages.com/id/1453481634/photo/romans-chapter-1-verse-16-17.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=z2zJ07godkR1v6QUVMrtoCxw5IYOZAKI-VpDIXWkChQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear Reader,I can't get Romans 16 out of my head today. My mind keeps bouncing between the broken people at the start of Romans and these incredible believers at the end. The change in them... it's honestly mind-blowing.Prisca and Aquila really got to me. Like, they literally put their necks on the line for Paul! And get this - they didn't just go to church, they turned their living room into one. And Gaius? His house was basically Grand Central Station for believers. These people weren't just Sunday Christians - they poured their whole lives into this.Sitting here, I have to ask myself some hard questions. When's the last time I opened my home like that? Would I stick my neck out for someone in my church family? And if I'm really honest... do I sometimes act like I own this thing instead of remembering it's Christ's church? Man, these early believers weren't playing church - they were living it, breathing it.Looking at how these people changed from Romans 1 to 16... it kind of chokes me up. They went from such dark places to becoming these incredible, loving people. And it wasn't overnight - they went through this whole journey of being saved, made right, made holy, and totally transformed.I want that. I want to be like Gaius - just throwing my doors wide open. Or like Prisca and Aquila - having that kind of courage and commitment. These people didn't sit around talking about what they should do - they just did it. They loved hard. They served hard. They lived all out.Maybe that's what real change looks like in my life - not just changing what's in my head, but actually living differently. Loving differently. Being there for people in real, messy, practical ways.I need to sit with this for a while...Until tomorrowChaplain MarkP.S. Note to self: Maybe start by having some people over for dinner this week...?

When Your Living Room Becomes a Cathedral: Notes from Romans 16

<figure id="figure-u8n7714c9nm3sk5pkh" class=""><img id="u8n7714c9nm3sk5pkh" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/471059970/photo/group-of-100-dollar-bills-protrude-from-bible.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=MV8FjxkpERXUIJ0Rnw2AW0zHoyKI5VrS0QLc9tFKoAU=" alt="Group of 100 dollar bills protrude from bible" title="Group of 100 dollar bills protrude from bible" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/471059970/photo/group-of-100-dollar-bills-protrude-from-bible.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=MV8FjxkpERXUIJ0Rnw2AW0zHoyKI5VrS0QLc9tFKoAU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Living as One Body in ChristRomans 15:26-27:Dear Reader - I was struck today while reading Romans 15 about how beautifully Paul describes this connection between the Gentile and Jewish believers. It's amazing to think about what happened in Macedonia and Achaia - these Gentile believers freely chose to send money to help their Jewish brothers and sisters in Jerusalem who were struggling.What really touches my heart is the natural flow of it all. The Jerusalem believers had shared Christ - the greatest spiritual gift possible - with the Gentiles. And in response, the Gentiles felt moved to share their material blessings. Not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude. They "were pleased to do it," as Paul writes.I keep thinking about how radical this was. These were people who would never have associated with each other before Christ. The Jews had viewed Gentiles as unclean, as outsiders. And now here they were, caring for each other as family. What a testimony to the transforming power of Christ!It makes me reflect on my own life and relationships. Where do I see this kind of mutual care and sharing? Am I as willing to give materially to support others in the body of Christ? Do I recognize the spiritual debts I owe to those who have shared Christ with me?The whole passage shows me what genuine spiritual transformation looks like - it always flows out into practical expressions of love. When Christ truly works in our hearts, it affects our wallets, our resources, our willingness to care for others in tangible ways.Lord, help me to live out this kind of practical love in my own relationships within the body of Christ. Let me be as willing and pleased to share materially as these early believers were.Note to self: Come back to this passage when thinking about practical ways to support brothers and sisters in need. This isn't just ancient history - it's a pattern for us today.Until tomorrowChaplain Mark

Holy Money Matters

Football play strategy drawn out on a chalk board. Strategy or Plan Competition Concept.

<figure id="figure-gguprakeam3r4l6wa"><img id="gguprakeam3r4l6wa" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/03dWESo5B9Fm7dLGYAzY8jYVo3eMXSEsdZN4cmLJ4NZ9uoBq5N4eUfYo7PRO9PIM.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" 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/03dWESo5B9Fm7dLGYAzY8jYVo3eMXSEsdZN4cmLJ4NZ9uoBq5N4eUfYo7PRO9PIM.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Dear Reader,Today, while reflecting on Romans 15:16, I had this powerful realization about my role as a Chaplain-Counselor. Paul's ministry suddenly felt so relevant to my daily work.Like Paul being a "minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles," I find myself serving people from all walks of life who come through my door. Some are believers, some aren't, and many are just searching. Each person brings their own pain, questions, and struggles. My role, I realized, isn't just about providing counsel or comfort - it's about creating a sacred space where transformation can happen.When Paul talks about being a "laboring priest," it reminds me of those moments in counseling sessions when I'm carefully holding someone's trauma or grief, like a priest handling sacred vessels. Whether I'm sitting with a patient facing end-of-life decisions, counseling a couple through relationship struggles, or supporting someone wrestling with faith questions, I'm participating in holy work.What really hit me today was how Paul saw the people he served as becoming "acceptable offerings" through the Spirit's work. In my practice, I see this happening too - not that I'm making anyone "acceptable," but I get to witness the Holy Spirit's gentle work as people:Find healing from past wounds Discover new meaning in their suffering Begin to see themselves as valuable and worthy Learn to connect their story with God's larger story Sometimes this happens through direct spiritual conversation, but often it's in those quiet moments of authentic presence, active listening, and holding space for their pain. The Spirit works through professional counseling skills just as much as through prayer.I was especially moved thinking about the "sanctified in the Holy Spirit" part. In my role, I can't force transformation - just like Paul couldn't. But I can create conditions where the Spirit can work, whether that's through:Trauma-informed care that respects each person's journey Integration of spiritual resources with mental health support Holding hope for those who can't hold it for themselves Being present in crisis moments and celebrating small victories Today helped me see my calling with fresh eyes. Each session, each conversation, each crisis intervention - they're all opportunities for the Spirit to work transformation, just like in Paul's ministry.Need to remember this perspective on the hard days when progress seems slow or when I'm feeling overwhelmed by the weight of others' pain. The Spirit is always at work, even when I can't see it.Taking this into tomorrow's sessions with renewed purpose.Until next&nbsp; tomorrow, Chaplain MarkP.S. Note to self: Maybe develop some new ways to help clients recognize their own transformation journey...

A Chaplain's Take on Paul's Playbook

Two mugs with printed text Mr. right and Mrs. always right. Funny phrase about couples life printed on mugs

<figure id="figure-to4txxat1m3pp53dt"><img id="to4txxat1m3pp53dt" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/489670872/photo/mrs-boss.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=HZnFW7p78iWyyBo7HWLGL_vZv_kfO6gfvwv2OR8FnA0=" alt="Mrs boss" title="Mrs boss" 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://media.gettyimages.com/id/489670872/photo/mrs-boss.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=HZnFW7p78iWyyBo7HWLGL_vZv_kfO6gfvwv2OR8FnA0=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear Reader,This morning during my Bible reading, Romans 15:4-5 really spoke to my heart. As I sat with my coffee and Bible, these verses about endurance and encouragement made me reflect deeply on what it means to receive others. My wife is such a beautiful example of this - I've watched her genuinely receive people with Christ's love time after time, always extending grace and hope to others.Paul writes that "the things that were written previously were written for our instruction," and I'm so grateful for how the Lord teaches me through both His Word and through observing my wife's living pattern. She has this natural way of looking past differences and seeing Christ in others that really embodies what Paul is talking about here.When I read about "the God of endurance and encouragement," I could see how the Lord has been developing these qualities in her life. She consistently demonstrates that patient endurance with others, always hoping and believing in their growth in the Lord. I have so much to learn from her example.Had to pause my reading to really consider this: receiving others according to Christ requires these divine qualities of endurance and encouragement. My wife seems to understand this intuitively - she never measures others by superficial standards or expectations, but genuinely receives them in Christ.Writing this down as a reminder: Unity doesn't come from uniformity. Through watching my wife, I've seen how receiving others isn't about finding people who match our preferences or practices. It's about focusing on Christ in them. Her ability to do this consistently amazes me.Note to self:Remember that God is the God of endurance - He can help me receive others as naturally as my wife does Look for signs of Christ in others rather than looking for agreement with preferences Trust God's work in each person's life, maintaining that hope that my wife always seems to have Ask for His encouragement when my own hope for unity feels weak I'm grateful for this reminder that building true Christian unity isn't about finding people who are just like us, but about receiving all those who belong to Christ. My wife's example shows me daily what this looks like in practice. It's encouraging to know that God promises to supply the endurance and encouragement we need for this.Looking back at this passage, I feel both challenged and inspired. Challenged to grow in receiving others according to Christ, and inspired by having such a living pattern of this truth right in my own home. The Lord truly is the God of endurance and encouragement!What a blessing to be able to see these truths lived out through my wife's life as we both grow in receiving others according to Christ.Until tomorrow, Chaplain Mark

Lessons from Romans (and Mrs. Right)

<figure id="figure-do07977n1m3oa9ef0"><img id="do07977n1m3oa9ef0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2ouregotarQDJi7nHyMRc2MMgNdx0IAsaSVWsNcoR3RtZmuKjmdUzLiqnA8IuoXz.jpg" alt="" title="" 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/2ouregotarQDJi7nHyMRc2MMgNdx0IAsaSVWsNcoR3RtZmuKjmdUzLiqnA8IuoXz.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear reader,Today I was reading Romans 14, and verse 15 and 17 really hit different. You know how I sometimes get caught up in all these "rules" about what Christians should or shouldn't do? Well, Paul basically called me out on that. He's saying that getting hung up on stuff like what we eat or drink totally misses the point of God's kingdom.It made me think about how I'm living. Like, am I actually focusing on what matters? God's looking for three things in my life:First, righteousness. Man, I need to be real with myself here. No more making excuses or comparing myself to others. It's about me and God, being straight up honest about where I'm at and where I need to grow.Then there's peace. If I'm being honest, I've been letting some relationships slide. Been holding onto some small grudges that I should probably let go. God's showing me that His kingdom shows up in how I treat people, especially when it's hard.And joy... that one convicted me. Why am I walking around like I'm carrying the weight of the world? The Holy Spirit is living in me! I should be bubbling over with joy, not because everything's perfect, but because God's got me. Need to get back to just praising Him throughout my day, even when things get rough.It's funny - I've spent so much time worrying about getting everything "right" in my Christian walk, but God's more interested in these three things: am I living with integrity? Am I at peace with others? Am I finding my joy in Him?Note to self: Stop judging others for the small stuff. Start focusing on letting Christ shine through in these three ways. Maybe tomorrow I'll start by reaching out to [that person I've been avoiding] and try to make peace. And definitely need to spend more time in worship - my spirit could use some joy!Until next time -&nbsp; Grateful for how God keeps teaching me new things in His Word.Chaplain Mark

Menu for Today: Skip the Food Rules, Order the Kingdom Special

<figure id="figure-s2232xmesam3muxp2y"><img id="s2232xmesam3muxp2y" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/athACIf78qJBgi41ZfwUfWHhByTN1CdNRHbk2AS0eTReWlqMoOk8XUuNKA5sIsOL.jpg" alt="" title="" 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/athACIf78qJBgi41ZfwUfWHhByTN1CdNRHbk2AS0eTReWlqMoOk8XUuNKA5sIsOL.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear Reader,Today's reflection in Num. 14:7 -9 talks about Caleb's perspective about "eating the giants" strikes deeply into my chaplaincy work. Looking at the challenges before me:A client whose trauma work triggers my own unresolved issues Sessions that sit in heavy silence where I fight the urge to fill the void The couple whose emotional intensity makes me want to over-structure sessions A client who questions everything I offer, activating my self-doubt The cases where progress seems painfully slow or non-existent These are my Anakim - towering challenges that can feel overwhelming in my chaplaincy care. But what if each difficult case, each heart-wrenching situation, is actually spiritual nourishment in disguise?I'm thinking of this weeks session with the single mom and 5 children - that moment when I felt completely inadequate before such profound stress. My immediate reaction was to pray for strength to get through it. But what if, instead of just surviving these moments, they're meant to build something deeper in me as a chaplain?Looking back, haven't my most significant growth moments in ministry come through the cases I thought were beyond me? That first death notification I had to deliver - it shaped my entire approach to pastoral presence. The angry patient who seemed to reject all spiritual comfort - they taught me about sitting with people in their darkness without trying to fix it.Lord, help me develop Caleb's perspective in my chaplaincy. When I'm called by a client in full on panic, when I face situations where there are no easy answers, when I encounter spiritual distress that seems impenetrable - let me see these not as giants to fear but as opportunities for deeper pastoral formation.What I'm learning:That veteran whose moral injury seems beyond healing? Each session is teaching me about the depths of grace The ethically complex cases when I'm asked a question I'm unsure how to answer? They're developing my ability to hold space for different beliefs and perspectives The person who is burning out? Their struggles are teaching me about sustainable compassion My own secondary trauma? It's forcing me to develop better spiritual self-care practices I'm struck by Caleb's sustained strength into his eighties. In chaplaincy, we often talk about compassion fatigue and burnout. But what if each difficult pastoral encounter, rather than depleting us, could actually strengthen us for long-term ministry? What if the very things that challenge us most are what build sustainable pastoral resilience?Practical applications for my ministry:When that sense of inadequacy rises during a difficult pastoral encounter, pause and ask: "What spiritual muscle is this building in me?" In spiritual assessments, look for ways my "giants" have enriched my ability to understand others' struggles During debriefing sessions, help others identify the growth their difficulties might be producing My prayer for this week: Lord, help me see each challenging encounter as spiritual formation. When families are in crisis, when my friends are overwhelmed, when I feel inadequate - remind me that these are not just challenges to overcome but sacred opportunities for deeper chaplain development.Note to self: Next time I'm called by a client, before taking the call, take a moment to shift my perspective from "This is too much" to "Here comes my food." The complexity and weight of chaplaincy work isn't going to decrease, but maybe it's not meant to. Maybe this is exactly how we develop the pastoral presence our ministry requires.Until tomorrowChaplain Mark

Feeding on Fear

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

When Your Living Room Becomes a Cathedral: Notes from Rom...

Holy Money Matters

A Chaplain's Take on Paul's Playbook

Lessons from Romans (and Mrs. Right)

Menu for Today: Skip the Food Rules, Order the Kingdom Sp...

Feeding on Fear