Author Archives: Mark Shields

There is a POWER Source

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Mark Shields

Pastor Steve at my church said once in a sermon that the book of James is God’s instruction manual on how to integrate our faith with our lifestyle. The book of James was written at a time when Christians were … Continue reading →

Posted in James | Tagged Bible, Bible Study, Blog, Christian, Conversation, Epistle of James, Faith, Gifts, God, James, Lifestyle, Movies, Music, Pollution, Reading, Sermon | Leave a comment

Purpose Gives Patience

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Mark Shields

A child waits for Christmas morning and it seems like the waiting lasted forever until they finally open the presents. Just like the child at Christmas, we need to be excited about opening the presents that God has for us each … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Child, Christianity, Christmas, Excitement, God, Holiday, Jesus, Nunc Dimittis, Patience, Presents, Purpose, Religion and Spirituality, Simeon | Leave a comment

The Songs of Christmas – Simeon’s Song

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Mark Shields

We are exploring the songs of those who were touched by Christ on the first Christmas in a message series called “The Songs of Christmas” at First United Methodist Church Waco. We are learning how their Christmas songs can help … Continue reading →

Posted in Sermon Outline | Tagged Christ, Christmas, Christmas Songs, Holy Spirit, Immanuel, Jesus, Luke, Patience, Podcast, Possibility, Power, Preparation, Promise, Purpose, Simeon | 1 Comment

He Can Get Us Through This

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Mark Shields

Yesterday, I posted about James 1:1-15. During the time James wrote his letter there was tremendous difficulty but he was determined to communicate how God could get them through this. When trials come our way, we need to see it … Continue reading →

Posted in James | Tagged Bible, Character, Christianity, God, God’s Will, Help, Hope, hope god, James, Jeremy Camp, Jesus, Perseverance, religion, Religion and Spirituality, time james, Trials | Leave a comment

Problems Can Become Possibilities

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Mark Shields

At the time James wrote the letter in today’s passage, Christian communities in Rome, Alexandria, Cyprus, and cities in Greece and Asia Minor were going through much difficulty and even dying for their faith. The brother of Jesus in James … Continue reading →