🎯 Today’s Choice Determines Tomorrow’s Path (When God Whispers, But We Keep Walking…)

🎯 Today’s Choice Determines Tomorrow’s Path (When God Whispers, But We Keep Walking…)

by | Oct 29, 2024 | Empowerment

Welcome to This Week’s Mars Hill Anywhere Update!

Happy Tuesday Reader,

Have you ever felt that gentle nudge from God, pointing you in a direction different from your plans?

This week, we’re exploring something that touches our lives: the choice between following our path or trusting God’s guidance.

In my latest message, “When We Choose Not to See: God’s Path vs. Our Plans,” I explore why we sometimes miss the signs God provides in our lives.

Through compelling stories from the Bible, such as those of Samson and Jonah, I emphasize that while God’s path may be challenging at times, it ultimately leads us to where we need to be.

Think about it: How often have we faced crossroads where our plans pulled us one way while God quietly showed us another direction?

These moments aren’t just tests – they’re opportunities to grow closer to Him and discover His perfect timing in our lives.

This week, we invite you to join our community in reflecting on this important message. Whether you’re watching from home, on your lunch break, or during your evening quiet time, remember: you’re part of a family learning and growing together in faith.

🎯 This Week’s Focus:

  • Recognizing God’s signs in our daily lives
  • Understanding why His path is always the best choice
  • Learning from biblical examples of choosing between our plans and God’s guidance.

Let’s walk this path together, supporting each other as we learn to see and follow God’s direction.

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Daily Devotion: Opening Our Eyes to God’s Direction 👀

Seeing the Signs but Choosing to Ignore Them

“There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”

  • Proverbs 14:12 (NLT)

A Moment of Truth

Have you ever driven past a “Road Closed” sign, thinking, “It probably isn’t that bad”? Sometimes, we do the same thing in life. We see God’s warning signs but keep going anyway, hoping everything will work out.

Learning from Bible Heroes

  • Samson’s Story: He saw the warning signs with Delilah but ignored them because he thought he was strong enough.
  • Jonah’s Journey: He tried to run from God’s plan and ended up in a whale! Taking the hard road sometimes teaches us why God’s way is better.

What This Means for Us Today

Think about areas where you might say, “I know, God, but…” Maybe it’s:

  • A relationship that doesn’t feel right
  • A decision you’re unsure about
  • A path you’re taking even though your heart feels uneasy

Your Next Step

Take 5 minutes today to:

  1. Sit quietly with God
  2. Ask yourself: “What signs have I been ignoring?”
  3. Write down any thoughts that come to mind
  4. Pray for courage to follow God’s lead

Today’s Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for caring enough to guide us, even when we’re stubborn. Give us brave hearts to see Your signs and follow Your path. Help us trust that Your way is always the best.

Amen 🙏

💭 Reflection Question of the Week:

“What gentle nudge from God have you felt lately?”

Share your thoughts in our online community group or reflect privately in your journal.

🎧 New on The Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast

Don’t miss this week’s episode: “Deep Dive: Why We Choose Not To See – Eyes Wide Shut.”

This powerful episode explores what happens when we recognize but ignore warning signs. Through the biblical story of Samson and Delilah, we examine how this plays out in our daily lives – from relationships to career decisions. Learn practical ways to align your choices with God’s guidance for a more fulfilling life.

​Listen now on your favorite platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and our website.

Perfect companion to this Sunday’s message!

Join Us This Week! 🗓️

Sunday Worship – November 3, 2024,

Two Ways to Connect:

🖥️ Online Service

  • Time: 10:30 AM Central
  • Platform: Mars Hill Anywhere (YouTube & Facebook Live)
  • Perfect for our digital family joining from home

🏢 In-Person Gathering

  • Time: 10:30 AM Central
  • Location: 7941 47th St, McCook, IL 60525
  • Join us for live worship and fellowship

Ways to Participate:

  • Set a calendar reminder to join us online
  • Share the service link with friends and family
  • Connect with other members in the live chat
  • Submit your prayer requests before the service
  • Prepare your heart for worship with our weekly playlist

Quick Tips for the Best Online Experience:

  • Log in a few minutes early to test your connection
  • Have your Bible ready for note-taking
  • Keep your device charged or plugged in
  • Use headphones for better audio quality

Whether you join us online or in person, you’re essential to our Mars Hill family. We can’t wait to worship with you!

How to Support Mars Hill

Your support helps us spread hope and share God’s love with our community and beyond. Here are some ways you can get involved:

  1. Give: Your financial gifts make a difference. You can give online through our secure website or use our mobile app.
  2. Serve: We have many opportunities to serve, both in-person and virtually. Check out our website for current needs.
  3. Pray: Please keep our church, leaders, and community in your prayers. Your prayers are powerful!
  4. Invite: Do you know someone who might benefit from our message? Invite them to join us online or in person this Sunday.
  5. Share: Help spread the word by sharing our social media posts or forwarding this email to a friend.

Your generosity keeps Mars Hill thriving and helps us reach more people with God’s love. If you feel led to contribute, here are some ways you can support our ministry:

  1. ​Online Giving: Visit our website to set up one-time or recurring donations securely.
  2. Text-to-Give: Text MHGIVE to 33777 and follow the prompts.
  3. Sunday Offering: Drop your gift in the offering basket during our in-person services.
  4. Mail: Send checks to:

Mars Hill Baptist Church
PO Box 6159
River Forest, IL 60305

Remember, every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Your support allows us to:

  • Maintain our temporary church home
  • Fund community outreach programs
  • Provide resources for Life Groups
  • Expand our online ministry
  • Invest in equipment, tools, cameras, and software to grow our online campus.

We’re grateful for your partnership in spreading the Gospel and serving our community in person and online.

Please consider giving today and help us grow in faith and impact.

Thank You for Being Part of Mars Hill Anywhere

We are so blessed to have you in our Mars Hill Anywhere family! Whether you join us in person or connect online, your presence, prayers, and support strengthen this community. Together, we are building a place where everyone can grow in faith and experience God’s love, no matter where they are.

As we move forward, I encourage you to take action this week:

  • Watch one of the powerful messages we’ve shared.
  • Join us for our online stream on November 3, 2024, at 10:30 AM Central.
  • Engage with our blog or podcast to dive deeper into what God speaks to us.
  • ​Please support Mars Hill in any way you can, whether through giving, volunteering, or simply sharing our resources with someone who needs them.

Let’s continue to grow together in faith and love, supporting one another through every season. We’d love to hear from you if you have any questions, feedback, or prayer requests. Reply to this email or reach out directly—we’re here for you!

Have a blessed week, and we’ll see you soon.

See you Sunday!

Here to help you win,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. Don’t forget to join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM Central for our online service. Set your reminder now! ⏰
Have you ever caught yourself deliberately ignoring life’s warning signs? (A hard truth we need to discuss…)

Have you ever caught yourself deliberately ignoring life’s warning signs? (A hard truth we need to discuss…)

by | Oct 28, 2024 | Empowerment

Happy Monday Reader,

Have you ever had that gut feeling something wasn’t right, but you pushed it aside anyway?

Maybe it was…

  • That friendship that used to energize you but now leaves you drained
  • A job that’s slowly dimming your inner light
  • Or even a situation you know deep down needs to change but you’re not ready to face it.

I just published a raw and honest blog post about this human tendency – how we can open our eyes wide yet choose not to see what’s right in front of us.

You know what fascinates me? The story of Samson – this powerful man who literally had warning signs in plain sight (Did you know Delilah’s name meant “to weaken” in Hebrew? Talk about a red flag!) Yet he chose to ignore them all.

Sound familiar?

In this post, I break down:

  • Why we develop selective vision with uncomfortable truths
  • The real cost of avoiding what we already know
  • Practical steps to break the cycle of avoidance
  • How to find courage when facing what we’ve been ignoring

→ Read the full post here: When We Choose Not to See: Recognizing Life’s Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late​

Here’s a quick snippet that might hit home:

Remember, seeing the truth doesn’t mean you have to have all the answers immediately. Sometimes, simply acknowledging what you’ve been avoiding is enough to begin shifting your perspective and opening doors to new solutions.

If you’re wrestling with a situation you might choose not to see, this post is for you.

And if it resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What warning signs have you noticed yourself choosing to ignore?

Walking this journey with you,

Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
​See All of my Links @ Linktree​

​

P.S. After reading the post, make sure to watch the entire message on YouTube, where I dive even deeper into this topic. The discussion in the comments has been incredibly powerful.
When We Choose Not to See: Recognizing Life’s Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late

When We Choose Not to See: Recognizing Life’s Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late

by | Oct 28, 2024 | Decisions, Empowerment, Motivation, Prayer

We've all been there - that moment when we know something isn't quite right, but we push the feeling aside.

Maybe it's a relationship that's slowly draining us, a job that's lost its spark, or a nagging health concern we're trying to ignore. Like walking through a familiar room with our eyes half-closed, we navigate these situations aware of the truth but choosing not to fully face it.

This fascinating human tendency - to see yet not see - can shape the course of our lives in profound ways.

The Paradox of Selective Vision

Life often presents us with clear warning signs, yet we develop an uncanny ability to look past them. Think about that friendship that once brought joy but now leaves you feeling empty, or the career that's slowly dimming your inner light. Your mind registers these signs - the constant negativity from a friend, the Monday morning dread that extends into every other day - but something holds you back from acknowledging their full weight.

Life often presents us with clear warning signs, yet we develop an uncanny ability to look past them.

Click to Post

This selective vision isn't just about avoiding discomfort; it's a complex dance between awareness and denial. We see the truth in fragments, accepting it piece by piece, like slowly adjusting to light in a dark room. The challenge isn't in seeing the signs - they're often crystal clear. The real struggle lies in gathering the courage to act on what we already know.

Samson's Story: A Tale of Ignored Warnings

The biblical account of Samson provides a powerful illustration of this human tendency. Here was a man of legendary strength, chosen by God for a specific purpose, yet he repeatedly ignored clear warning signs in his relationship with Delilah. The name "Delilah" itself meant "to weaken" or "to exhaust" in Hebrew - a warning sign hidden in plain sight.

Samson's story unfolds in Gaza, a Philistine stronghold where archaeological evidence confirms the historical context of this cautionary tale. Despite his incredible physical strength, Samson's inability to heed warning signs led to his capture and imprisonment. His journey reminds us that even our greatest strengths can't protect us when we choose to ignore clear signals of danger.

Lesson From Samson: Our greatest strengths can't protect us when we choose to ignore clear signals of danger.

Click to Post

Breaking the Cycle of Avoidance

Recognizing that we're ignoring warning signs is the first step, but how do we move from awareness to action? The key lies in understanding that avoiding truth doesn't change it - it only delays our encounter with reality and often makes the eventual confrontation more challenging. Here are practical steps to break this cycle:

  • Ask for Clarity: Instead of rushing to conclusions or avoiding thoughts altogether, take time to seek genuine understanding of your situation.
  • Seek Wise Counsel: Share your concerns with trusted friends or mentors who can offer objective perspectives and support.
  • Trust Your Instincts: Those initial feelings of unease often contain valuable wisdom. Rather than dismissing them, explore what they might be telling you.
  • Take Small Steps: You don't have to solve everything at once. Start with small actions that acknowledge the reality you've been avoiding.

Avoiding truth doesn't change it - it only delays our encounter with reality and often makes the eventual confrontation more challenging.

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Finding Courage in Vulnerability

Opening our eyes to uncomfortable truths requires courage, but it also offers freedom.

When we finally face what we've been avoiding - whether it's a toxic relationship, an unfulfilling career, or a personal challenge - we create space for new possibilities. This vulnerability, though frightening, becomes the foundation for authentic growth and positive change.

Remember, seeing the truth doesn't mean you have to have all the answers immediately. Sometimes, simply acknowledging what you've been avoiding is enough to begin shifting your perspective and opening doors to new solutions.

When we finally face what we've been avoiding - whether it's a toxic relationship, an unfulfilling career, or a personal challenge - we create space for new possibilities.

Click to Post

Conclusion

The choice to see clearly isn't always easy, but it's invariably worth making.

Like Samson, we all have areas where we might be choosing selective vision, hoping things will somehow work out on their own. Yet true peace and purpose come not from avoiding reality but from facing it with courage and wisdom. The signs we need are often already there - we just need to choose to see them.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Take a moment this week to reflect on areas in your life where you might be choosing not to see. Choose one situation that's been nagging at you, and write down the warning signs you've noticed but perhaps been avoiding. Then, take one small, concrete step toward addressing it - whether that's having a difficult conversation, seeking professional advice, or simply acknowledging the truth to yourself. Remember, you don't have to face these challenges alone.

 True peace and purpose come not from avoiding reality but from facing it with courage and wisdom.

Click to Post

Want to Go Deeper?

  1. Watch the full message on YouTube. Dive into a deeper exploration of this topic and gain additional insights about recognizing and responding to life's warning signs.
  2. Grab a copy of Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence & Expectation:
     Learn how to strengthen your prayer life and develop a deeper connection with God's guidance.
  3. Check out my Podcast: Join me for weekly discussions about leadership, faith, and personal growth.

Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor who can support you in taking these important steps toward positive change. Sometimes, the most significant growth happens when we stop choosing not to see and start embracing the truth that leads to transformation.

🎯 When Breaking Points Become Breakthroughs | Mars Hill Update

🎯 When Breaking Points Become Breakthroughs | Mars Hill Update

by | Oct 23, 2024 | Empowerment

Welcome to This Week’s Mars Hill Anywhere Update!

Happy Wednesday Reader,

Welcome to this week’s update from Mars Hill Anywhere. We’re excited to share some great news and happenings with you.

In this newsletter, we’ll cover:

  1. A quick look at our recent in-person service
  2. How our online community is growing stronger
  3. A recap of last Sunday’s sermon
  4. The fantastic response to “Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence & Expectation.”
  5. Coming soon: Our new YouTube feature: “Motivational Moments Weekly Devotional.”
  6. Ways you can support Mars Hill

We’re thrilled to keep you connected with everything in our church family. Let’s dive in and see what God is doing in our midst!

Our Sunday Service: A Time of Transformation

What an incredible Sunday we shared!

First, a huge thank you to our fantastic setup and teardown team. Your dedication shows up hours before anyone else arrives and stays long after everyone leaves.

Every week, you turn a space into a warm, welcoming home for our church family. We see your heart for service, and we’re deeply grateful.

Our worship team created such a beautiful atmosphere of praise. As voices joined together, you could feel God’s presence filling the room, bringing peace and joy to every heart present.

This week’s message struck a powerful chord: “Your Breaking Point Is Your Breakthrough Point.”

We learned that the moments when we feel most broken aren’t the end of our story—they’re the beginning of God’s most significant work.

If you’re overwhelmed, remember this truth:

God specializes in turning our struggles into stepping stones for spiritual growth and victory.

Every tear, challenge, and difficult moment can testify to God’s faithfulness when we trust Him with our breaking points. He’s not finished with your story yet.

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Growing Stronger Together Online

Our Mars Hill Anywhere family continues to amaze us!

Each week, we see more of you joining us from across the country and worldwide.

Your engagement during our online services – from the chat messages of encouragement to the prayer requests you share – shows that distance can’t dim the light of true community.

Here’s what we’re seeing:

  • Members join early just to greet each other
  • Prayer partners connect in real-time during services
  • Small groups form naturally as online members connect with others in their time zones

A special shout-out to our “Digital Pastors,” who use the chat to welcome first-time visitors.

Your friendly “hellos” and warm welcomes make a real difference!

Last Sunday alone, 27 first-time visitors told us they felt “right at home” because of your kindness.

Remember, Mars Hill Anywhere isn’t just about watching a service—it’s about being part of a family.

Whether you join us from your living room, kitchen, or even during your lunch break at work, you’re helping build a community where everyone belongs.

Want to connect more? Join one of our online small groups or become a virtual greeter.

Send us a message, and we’ll help you find the perfect spot to serve and grow.

“Bold Prayers” – Your Stories of Transformation

We’re humbled and overjoyed by your response to “Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence & Expectation.”

Your messages, emails, and testimonies have shown us how God uses this book to spark renewed faith in your prayer life.

Here are just a few stories you’ve shared:

  • A mother in Texas told us how she’s teaching her children to pray boldly using the principles from the book
  • Life groups meet weekly to practice the prayer strategies together
  • One reader shared how he finally broke through years of anxiety after applying confidence-building prayer techniques

If “Bold Prayers” has blessed your life, would you consider sharing your experience with others?

Your Amazon review could help someone else take their first step toward a deeper prayer life.

Writing a review takes just a few minutes, but its impact could last forever.

How to share your review:

  1. Visit the book’s Amazon page
  2. Click on “Write a customer review.”
  3. Share how the book has helped your prayer life
  4. Rate your experience

Your words matter more than you know. They could be exactly what someone needs to hear to begin their journey toward bold, expectant prayer.

Have you grabbed your copy yet? “Bold Prayers” is available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle formats.

Remember: Prayer isn’t just about asking – it’s about expecting God to move in mighty ways!

Coming Soon: Get Ready for “Motivational Moments Weekly Devotional”

Get ready for a brand new way to stay inspired throughout your week! We’re thrilled to announce “Motivational Moments” – our new weekly devotional series on YouTube, starting in November 2024.

What to Expect:

  • Short, powerful devotionals (5-7 minutes)
  • Fresh content every Monday morning
  • Practical faith insights for your daily life
  • Scripture-based encouragement
  • Real-life applications

Perfect for:

  • Your morning coffee time
  • Lunch break inspiration
  • Evening wind-down
  • Sharing with friends who need encouragement

How to Never Miss an Episode:

1. Visit our Mars Hill YouTube channel

2. Click the “Subscribe” button

3. Hit the notification bell to get alerts when new episodes drop

Why We’re Starting This:

We know life gets busy. These bite-sized devotionals will help you stay connected to God’s Word and our church family, even during your busiest days. Think of it as a spiritual power-up for your week! The ‘Motivational Moments Weekly Devotional’ is designed to provide you with a regular source of inspiration and encouragement, helping you to find strength and faith in your everyday moments.

Mark your calendar for our first episode: November 4, 2024

Title: “Finding Strength in Your Everyday Moments”

Share this news with someone who could use a weekly dose of inspiration! Remember, sometimes the smallest moments can bring the biggest breakthroughs in our faith journey.

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This Week’s Blog: At the Breaking Point

Have you ever felt like life has pushed you to the edge—where you’re ready to throw in the towel?

In this week’s blog, I explore how our most challenging moments can be opportunities for God to work in our lives.

Through the stories of the Apostle Paul and Job, you’ll discover how your breaking point could be the turning point you’ve been waiting for.

Feeling overwhelmed? You won’t want to miss this!

​👉 Read more in the full blog post.

Upcoming Online Gathering

We’re excited to invite you to Sunday Online Worship on October 27, 2024, at 10:30 AM. This is an excellent opportunity to worship, connect with our church family, and experience the message in a vibrant, communal setting.

We will gather digitally (online).

I would love to see you there with us in person. If you can’t make it, join us on our streaming platforms. With God’s help, we will continue taking control of our story.

  • YouTube: Tune in live on our YouTube channel for an engaging worship experience. Remember to subscribe and hit the notification bell to avoid missing out! Watch on YouTube
  • Facebook: Join our live stream on Facebook and participate in real-time conversations. Like our page and share the service with your friends and family! Watch on Facebook

We look forward to worshiping with you and celebrating our faith together, no matter where you are.

​

How to Support Mars Hill

Your support helps us spread hope and share God’s love with our community and beyond. Here are some ways you can get involved:

  1. Give: Your financial gifts make a difference. You can give online through our secure website or use our mobile app.
  2. Serve: We have many opportunities to serve, both in-person and virtually. Check out our website for current needs.
  3. Pray: Please keep our church, leaders, and community in your prayers. Your prayers are powerful!
  4. Invite: Do you know someone who might benefit from our message? Invite them to join us online or in person this Sunday.
  5. Share: Help spread the word by sharing our social media posts or forwarding this email to a friend.

Your generosity keeps Mars Hill thriving and helps us reach more people with God’s love. If you feel led to contribute, here are some ways you can support our ministry:

  1. ​Online Giving: Visit our website to set up one-time or recurring donations securely.
  2. Text-to-Give: Text MHGIVE to 33777 and follow the prompts.
  3. Sunday Offering: Drop your gift in the offering basket during our in-person services.
  4. Mail: Send checks to:

Mars Hill Baptist Church
PO Box 6159
River Forest, IL 60305

Remember, every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Your support allows us to:

  • Maintain our temporary church home
  • Fund community outreach programs
  • Provide resources for Life Groups
  • Expand our online ministry
  • Invest in equipment, tools, cameras, and software to grow our online campus.

We’re grateful for your partnership in spreading the Gospel and serving our community in person and online.

Please consider giving today and help us grow in faith and impact.

Thank You for Being Part of Mars Hill Anywhere

We are so blessed to have you in our Mars Hill Anywhere family! Whether you join us in person or connect online your presence, prayers, and support strengthen this community. Together, we are building a place where everyone can grow in faith and experience God’s love, no matter where they are.

As we move forward, I encourage you to take action this week:

  • Watch one of the powerful messages we’ve shared.
  • Join us for our online stream on October 27, 2024, at 10:30 AM.
  • Engage with our blog or podcast to dive deeper into what God speaks to us.
  • ​Please support Mars Hill in any way you can, whether through giving, volunteering, or simply sharing our resources with someone who needs them.

Let’s continue to grow together in faith and love, supporting one another through every season. We’d love to hear from you if you have any questions, feedback, or prayer requests. Reply to this email or reach out directly—we’re here for you!

Have a blessed week, and we’ll see you soon.

See you Sunday!

Here to help you win,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. We encourage you to engage with us throughout the week—share your thoughts, reflections, and joy on our social media platforms. Let’s make this week an enriching experience for all.
When You Feel Like Throwing in the Towel

When You Feel Like Throwing in the Towel

by | Oct 21, 2024 | Empowerment

Happy Monday Reader,

Have you ever felt like life has loaded you with more than you can carry? Like you’re at your breaking point, barely holding it together?

In my latest blog post, “At the Breaking Point: When You Feel Like Throwing in the Towel,” we dive into exactly what it means to be at that point—and, more importantly, how God shows up when we’re ready to give up.

You’ll discover how both the Apostle Paul and Job hit their lowest moments and found something powerful in the process. Here’s a sneak peek:

The pressure you’re under today could be preparing you for a breakthrough tomorrow.

Does this sound familiar?

Whether you’re feeling crushed by responsibilities, heartache, or setbacks, this message is for you.

Feeling hopeless? There’s hope. Feeling powerless? There’s a way forward.

​Click here to read the full post: [Read Now]​

Trust me, you won’t want to miss these insights on how God turns breaking points into turning points.

Plus, join us this Sunday for Church Online at 10:30 AM to dive deeper into this topic.

Next in-person service: November 3, 2024, at 10:30 AM.

7941 47th St
McCook, IL 60525

God’s got you—and I can’t wait for you to read how He’s working behind the scenes in your life.

​Read the full post now: [Link to Blog Post]​

Blessings,

Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

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