Hi, I’m Mark Furlong.
At my core of cores (is that even a phrase?),
I believe God is more wonderful and amazing than we can imagine AND this incredible God has incredible purposes for your life! Before He created one star or galaxy He had already put detailed, love-driven plans in place for you (Ephesians 1:4)!
And He not only made purpose driven plans for how you could live a joy-filled, meaningful, faith growing life; He also provided everything you would need to fulfill it (2 Peter 1:3-4). God is so committed to you experiencing the abundant life that He was willing to die for you (John 3:16).
What’s the Problem?
So if that is all true, why is it sometimes so difficult to know God deeply, experience the abundant life, know His will, and accomplish His purposes? Those are the questions I study, practice, write and coach people through.
Learning how to cooperate with God in a sin-stained world takes time and willingness to learn. Jesus said knowing the truth would set us free, but it takes time to “know” the truth in an experiential way. Be encouraged though, because no matter your ups and downs in life you really can learn His liberating and powerful truths. And with the Holy Spirit’s help you can do your part in working with God as He does what only He can do.
If you are a busy, working person who wants to experience God more, grow personally and spiritually, and accomplish your God-given purposes there is a good chance you will like what I write and teach.
Who am I?
I like doing a variety of things (author, pastor, coach, entrepreneur, and mini-world-changer). Janet and I lived in Germany for 11 years as church-planting missionaries. We loved our time there and saw God bless our efforts. We’ve started churches in the U.S., worked on staff of a mega-church as pastor of spiritual growth and small groups, and have helped several churches develop growth, leadership, and small group ministries.
I am one of those who actually likes to workout and have done so consistently since my high school and college football days. Janet and I enjoy international food, travel, good movies, and time with friends and family. I’ve become a converted Alabama football fan since marrying her and am also a Cardinals baseball fan, having grown up in St.Louis. We are blessed to have two grown sons who love Jesus and prioritize His purposes in their own lives.
My Style
In all my writing and teaching I prioritize Scripture and the Holy Spirit. But I also use current research in the areas of personal development, leadership, and science. More and more research confirms Scriptural truth or gives us visible pictures of how God’s principles work (Jesus was obviously the best at this, using real life examples to explain spiritual truths).
The main theme I believe God has called me to communicate is knowing and living all of God’s purposes for your life. Not just one or two, but everything He had in mind when He created you. God wants us to grow up in all aspects of our lives becoming more and more like Jesus. (Ephesians 4:15, Romans 8:29).
Life moves fast and can be challenging at times so everything I release is geared towards giving encouraging, practical information in ways that active people can actually understand and use. We live in a world of information overload. Even in church world there are more options than ever before to listen to world-class speakers for hours every single day and read book after great book.
I, too, love to read, listen and learn. But Jesus said just listening to great words does not produce great results. Great ideas have to be internalized and acted on in order to produce. That is why I work hard at creating materials that are short, easy to remember, and simple to act upon. When truth is combined with doable action, powerful things happen.
As an example of what I’m talking about I would love to give you my FREE booklet Prayer for Busy People: Simple Steps to Grow Stronger in Prayer When Life is Moving Fast. Just go here now and you can learn how to have great spiritual growth even when you are in a busy season of life: www.MarkFurlongBooks.com.