(Photo by Selma Komisky)

Editor’s Note: July, 2020

By Sarah Komisky

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

– Jesus, Matthew 22:38-39

“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

– Paul, 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

– Martin Luther King Jr.

“For only love can conquer hate.”

– Marvin Gaye, “What’s Going On”

Taking steps forward are at the center of our conversations of our culture.

For example:

How do we take steps forward in an effort to end a lethal virus?

How do we take steps forward in racial reconciliation?

How do we take steps forward to rebuild our economy?

How do we  take steps forward politically?

How do we take steps forward with our mental health?

How do we take steps forward in our faith?

How do we take steps forward in a pandemic?

These are some of the major questions we hear on a daily basis. But what exactly are the next steps to take? Sometimes the question itself can be exhausting!

How do we uncover what path to take in the middle of the crossroads of so many different views, opinions, and ideas being given?

Can I first say it’s OK to not know.

For all of us, this can be scary, maybe even a little frustrating, daunting, or even depressing. However, when we look at the future in front us not knowing what is ahead, we believe at Marked Ministry that we can still move in forward motion toward faith, hope, and love when God is leading our path.

This new issue entitled “Steps,” is written to bring you comfort in the steps you take one moment and one day at a time. We hope this issue gives you permission to move at your own pace. To ignite your faith which might be dimming at the wick. We also hope it gives you some encouragement and wisdom for the journey up ahead as well as the strength needed to keep going.

We’re humbled to share such incredible stories from our MM team and also from guest writer Caylin Moore with his new book, “A Dream Too Big,” a story of overcoming improvable odds. Also, we will talk about racial reconciliation with pastor, leader, and author, Miles McPherson with his new book, “The Third Option.” In turn, new artist, Coby James will share his story how he has taken steps forward in his music as a storyteller.

As always, we’ll keep our eyes in the forward march of faith pressing towards the goal in the upward call of Christ believing there are better things ahead.

If you’re weary, take heart.

If you’re confused, lean in.

If you’re worried, refocus.

If you’re upset, take a step back and reflect.

May this issue challenge you to think about the step you’re on and where God is calling you to be.

May this content give you what you need to sojourn in hope. Take a step my friend. Invite God on the journey with you, let Him lead direct your steps and although the path may be unknown, it will always lead to a good destination. Let’s let truth be our guide and let’s let faith, hope, and love reign. Let’s trample underfoot division. Let’s see value in one another and let’s move forward together.

Now, the only way to go is up.

“A person plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Proverbs 16:9 (ISV)

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light to my path.”

Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and with for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV)