6 Ways to Read the Bible Better

better bible reading
BibleGatway: Psalm 119:18

If you struggle reading the Bible, you are not alone. Some people find it hard to read the Bible consistently, others find it generally hard to comprehend, and some just find a few sections of the Bible difficult to understand.

The mere fact that the Bible exists is evidence that God desires Christians to understand what has been written. Whether you are a seminary professor or a brand new Christian who just started reading the Bible, we can all improve our biblical comprehension.

So here are 6 ways to read the Bible better. Continue reading 6 Ways to Read the Bible Better

How to Overcome Your Past

How can you overcome your past? In this video I talk about how your past often dictates your present. The passion, or lack of passion, you have for God is often controlled by what you have previously done in life.

But if you can’t change your past, what can be done? What hope is there for a better future if your past is constantly controlling your present? Continue reading How to Overcome Your Past

What Does the Bible Say About Inconvenience?

 bible inconvenience
Luke 9:11

On many days it’s no problem for me to just jump in and help wherever and whenever needed. But all too often, if I’m being totally honest, I only like serving Jesus and other people when I was planning on it and I had time to mentally prepare for it. I struggle with being inconvenienced. Continue reading What Does the Bible Say About Inconvenience?

5 Ways to Avoid Ministry Burnout

how to avoid ministry burnout
Mark 12:30-31

Ministry burnout. It can be so frustrating. You love your ministry so much it causes you to work too hard and eventually you burnout. The more you burnout, it seems the more fires start popping up in other parts of your ministry, causing even more stress and exhaustion. It’s a vicious cycle. Continue reading 5 Ways to Avoid Ministry Burnout

3 Ways to Hear God’s Voice (Video Series)

hearing God video series
John 10:27

How do you hear the voice of God and know his will for your life? That’s exactly what I cover in this 3 part video series.

There are at least three common ways through which God speaks: Through his word, through his Spirit, and through our circumstances. When you can combine these three, you can have more assurances you are truly hearing the voice of God. Continue reading 3 Ways to Hear God’s Voice (Video Series)

5 Ways to Have More Passion for God

passion for God bible
John 12:1-11

How can you have a greater passion for God? Many of us want to love God more than we do. We wish we had a stronger desire to serve him, obey him, and tell others about him. Apathy, shyness, shame, fear, and so many other roadblocks can stand in the way.

Perhaps one of the most lavish expressions of love for God took place in John 12:1-11 where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus had a dinner for Jesus. By studying this Bible passage, we can identify at least four ways to have more passion for God. Continue reading 5 Ways to Have More Passion for God

Get Your FREE Copy of My New Book: Intertwined (But Just for Today!)

Get Your FREE copy! Just click the book cover!

Intertwined by Mark Ballenger

While a perfect world would be great, that’s not the solution God is offering us right now. God isn’t going to always change our life circumstances every time we feel unhappy. But he can always change our perception of our circumstances.

If you give your job, your friends, your social media account,  your spouse, your kids, your health, your boyfriend or girlfriend, your ministry, your finances, or anything else the power to make you happy . . . you also give these things the power to make you unhappy. Continue reading Get Your FREE Copy of My New Book: Intertwined (But Just for Today!)

Should You Make Promises to God?

promises to God
2 Corinthians 1:20

Should you make promises to God? It’s tempting to make a promise to God after you sin in some terrible way, “God, I promise I will never do that again if your forgive me.” Or when you want something desperately, it’s easy to say something like, “God, I promise I will serve you my whole life if you do this one thing for me.”

To cut right to the answer for the question, “Should you make promises to God?” the answer is “No.” Christianity is not about making promises to God. Christianity is about relying on the promises of God. Continue reading Should You Make Promises to God?