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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

video preview​

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.

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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.
When You Feel Like Throwing in the Towel

When You Feel Like Throwing in the Towel

by | Oct 21, 2024 | Accountability, Decisions, Empowerment, Encouragement, Excellence, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Motivation, Self-Leadership, Spiritual Growth

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT)

Introduction: The Weight of Life’s Struggles

We’ve all been there—that moment where life has piled more on you than you can carry. It feels like you’re being crushed under the weight of responsibilities, heartache, and uncertainty.

This is the breaking point—when you’re emotionally and physically drained, barely holding on, and wondering why God would allow things to get this hard.

Maybe you’re at that breaking point right now. You’ve put on a brave face for others, but behind closed doors, you’re overwhelmed.

You’ve prayed, you’ve waited, and yet, the breakthrough still feels out of reach. Like Paul, you’ve reached a point where you wonder, “Can I even survive this?”

But the breaking point, as hard as it is, isn’t the end. It’s actually a crucial moment where transformation begins. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul openly admits he thought he wouldn’t make it.

Yet, in his suffering, he found something more powerful than his own strength—he found the power of relying on God.

Your Breaking Point is God’s Opportunity

When we reach the end of ourselves, that’s often when we begin to see God work in a new way. Paul said,

 We stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely on God.

When you’re at your breaking point, it’s God’s opportunity to show His strength through your weakness.

For many of us, letting go and trusting God can feel like the hardest step. We’re so used to controlling things—managing our careers, families, finances, and problems. But God never intended for us to carry these burdens alone.

Consider the story of Job. In Job 1, Job was described as a man of integrity, devoted to God, and blessed with abundance. Yet, in an instant, his life was shattered—he lost his wealth, his children, and his health.

Despite his suffering, Job chose to trust God. He fell to the ground in worship and said,

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

Like Job, our breaking points are not the end of the story; they are turning points where God can step in and carry the weight we were never meant to bear.

We often wonder why God lets us reach these moments of complete exhaustion. Sometimes it’s the only way we’ll stop relying on ourselves and truly depend on Him. It’s at the end of your strength that God’s strength can shine the brightest.

It’s at the end of your strength that God’s strength can shine the brightest.



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Pressure Produces Power

We’ve all heard the saying,

God won’t give you more than you can handle.

But if you look at Paul’s words, you’ll notice something important: sometimes God will allow more than you can handle—on your own. The crushing weight Paul describes in 2 Corinthians wasn’t meant to destroy him but to draw him into deeper reliance on God.

This pressure wasn’t a punishment; it was a process.

The idea of pressure producing power can be seen in the natural world. Consider how diamonds are formed—under immense heat and pressure.

Without the crushing weight, a diamond would never become the precious stone that it is. Similarly, in the spiritual life, God uses the pressure we’re under to refine and strengthen us.

Job’s story exemplifies this process. In the face of overwhelming loss, Job didn’t give in to despair or curse God as Satan predicted . Instead, he held onto his faith, and through that suffering, God revealed a greater purpose.

Later, in Job 42, we see that God not only restores Job but gives him twice as much as he had before . The intense pressure Job faced produced deeper faith, humility, and eventually, a blessing far greater than anything he could have imagined.

When we face these crushing moments, we can either resist and become hardened, or we can surrender to God and let Him transform us. The pressure you’re under today could be preparing you for a breakthrough tomorrow.

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



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God’s Resurrection Power in Your Situation

One of the most powerful revelations Paul shares is that he learned to rely not just on God, but on “God who raises the dead.” This is a game-changer.

The God who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in your situation right now. No matter how hopeless things seem, God specializes in bringing dead things back to life.

When Jesus hung on the cross, His disciples were devastated. To them, it looked like the end.

Yet, three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, proving that nothing is impossible with God. This same resurrection power is available in your life.

That dream you think is dead, that relationship that seems beyond repair, that situation you’ve given up on—God can breathe life into it again.

Job’s story reminds us that God is a God of restoration.

After losing everything, Job was not only restored but blessed beyond what he had before. His family, wealth, and health were renewed.

What seemed like a hopeless situation became the canvas for God’s greatest work in Job’s life.

Similarly, your breaking point is not the end. It’s the beginning of God’s resurrection power in your life. Even when you can’t see a way forward, God is already working behind the scenes.

Your breaking point is not the end; it’s the beginning of God’s resurrection power in your life.



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Conclusion: Hold On and Trust in God’s Plan

At the breaking point, it’s easy to feel like giving up.

But the stories of Paul and Job teach us that these moments of overwhelming pressure are where God’s power is revealed most clearly.

Both men faced unimaginable suffering, but both also discovered that God’s plan is far greater than the pain they endured.

In your own life, you may not understand why you’re going through what you are. But know this: God is not finished with you yet.

He is able to restore what has been lost, to bring life where there was death, and to turn your breaking point into a breakthrough.

So, hold on. Don’t throw in the towel.

The God who raised Jesus from the dead, and who restored Job’s life, is the same God who is with you in your suffering. Your breaking point is not the end; it’s the beginning of something new and powerful. Trust Him—He’s got you.

What seems like a hopeless situation becomes the canvas for God’s greatest work in your life.



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Next Steps

  • If this message resonated with you, I encourage you to check out the full sermon here.
  • Join us for Church Online on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 10:30 AM, where we’ll dive deeper into this topic.
  • And don’t miss our next in-person service on November 3, 2024, at 10:30 AM—we’d love to see you there! 

7941 47th St
McCook, IL 60525


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