Take Courage

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Mark Shields

There will be times when life is difficult. There will be those against us who don’t want to hear the Truth or can’t handle the Truth. They will whisper fear in our ear to frighten or scare. Know that during these times that God will be there. God is like a mountain standing rock solid over time and protecting us in our time of need. We can take courage, for God is there for us.

Reading in John 18:1-27, Jesus had courage to fulfill His mission. We note in today’s passage that Judas and the soldiers came looking for Jesus in the garden. Jesus went out to ask them who they were looking for. When they said they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus said, “I am he”. This indicates a voluntary surrender by Jesus.

Jesus was not afraid at all and taught by example. He knew what the future held yet He was on a mission and had the courage to follow through. He faced His enemies in order to fulfill His purpose; to suffer in this world in order to set us free.

The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus said that he spoke openly and said nothing in secret. When Jesus simply recommended that the high priest ask those who had heard him speak, a nearby official slapped him on the face (v. 22).  Jesus said that he spoke the Truth and asked the man why he struck him.

Jesus distinguished right and wrong by following the truth. Unfortunately, during the time of Jesus, many couldn’t handle the Truth and it’s the same today. Many can’t handle the Truth so in order to compensate, in their mind what’s right is a lie and what’s wrong is right.

We can follow God’s word for the Truth to distinguish right from wrong because Jesus paid our debt. We can handle the Truth by admitting wrongdoing, making the necessary changes, and asking for help. By accepting Jesus, we receive that help as the Spirt guides and God provides.

Jesus … You are the Truth that sets us free. You knew what Your future held, but fulfilled Your mission with courage to follow through. Because of You Lord Jesus, we receive grace and the Holy Spirt to face our future that may be difficult at times. The enemy will whisper fear in our ear, but our faith knows these whispers are a lie. Help us obey Your teachings as we step ahead following Your Way. Amen.

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Brought to Complete Unity

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Mark Shields

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. – John 17:22-23

Three strands together with a common purpose, makes the other stronger with strength and focus. With Jesus, we are unified as one to make us stronger.

Highlighted in “The Hour Has Come to Glorify His Son” is that Jesus showed us how to be the perfect team member by sharing His power from Father God with us. All believers can stand together as team members and nothing can defeat us because there is total victory over the evil one. This day, we are one in Christ Jesus and He is glorified as we walk the path side by side together.

One of the greatest challenges for any great team is getting everyone on the same page. Many times, individuals have their own idea of how things should work but we can take to heart the song Jesus Changed Everything – Ernie Haase. Because of Jesus, there is peace, freedom, joy, and a greater strength for the journey as we step ahead together! 

Index of devotionals

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The Hour Has Come To Glorify His Son

Posted on March 11, 2024 by Mark Shields

In this world, we all face a common enemy … the evil one and to overcome, God developed a plan carried out by His Son Jesus.

In John 17, Jesus prayed that the hour had come and that Father God glorify His Son. It was the hour of Jesus to fulfill His mission of dying on the Cross as a sacrifice for sin. Accomplished would be final victory over the common enemy which is eternal life for all who believe.

Pointed out in the passage is that the disciples of Jesus have a relationship with Father God too for they have loved Jesus and believed (John 16:27). Jesus came from the Father and entered into the world (John 16:28) so there is oneness of life with the Father and Son.

Jesus showed how to be the perfect team member by sharing His power from Father God with us. All believers can stand together as team members, and nothing can defeat us because there is total victory over the evil one. This day, we are one in Christ Jesus and He is glorified as we walk the path side by side together.

This day with You God, we are thankful for Your plan. The mission carried out by Jesus on the Cross gave us a mission too. The mission in working together as one to share about the power available as the Spirit lives inside and helps us walk the path side by side. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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Thought From Devotional 03-08-2024

Posted on March 8, 2024 by Mark Shields

A takeaway from 1 Kings 22 is that everyone needs a friend but not all friends will be honest with us and tell us what we need to hear. We need friends that are truthful, but the truth is not easy at times like the truth of God’s Word which sometimes reproves and corrects us.

With Jesus, we have a friend that is honest with us. He’s the Way, the Truth, and the Light. He knows what path to take and what decisions are the best. What a friend we have in Jesus!

Index of devotionals

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Questions for Reflection for Study of John 17 Through 19

Posted on March 7, 2024 by Mark Shields

We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. The below Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles. At all stages of life, the Bible is helpful in providing what is needed to thrive in life. If you have not done so yet, click the follow button on the top right side of this page to be notified of future posts.

John 17 – To what hour does Jesus refer? How are the Father, Son, and disciples related? What will be accomplished through believers manifesting their oneness of life with the Father and Son? How is Jesus glorified in you?

John 18:1-27 – As Judas and the soldiers come, what indicates a voluntary surrender by Jesus? How does Jesus distinguish right and wrong? How can you? How has Jesus taught?

John 18:28-40 – Why don’t the religious leaders go into Pilate’s judgment hall? Describe Jesus’ kingship (see John 6:15 and 12:13-15). For what purpose is he in the world? For what purpose are you in the world?

John 19:1-16 – What is different about Pilate’s statement about Jesus and his actions (See John 18:38 and John 19:4-6)? For what reasons do the Jews want to kill Jesus (See John 5:18, John 10:30-38, and Lev. 24:16)? How does Pilate misunderstand Jesus’ power? What causes Pilate to yield to the Jews’ demands? What power do you have over circumstances?

John 19:17-30 – What is the significance of Pilate’s title and the chief priest’s complaint? What is Jesus’ state of mind while on the cross? What has Jesus finished (see John 17:4)?

John 19:31-42 – What happens to Jesus after he dies? Why don’t the soldiers break Jesus’ legs? How do they make sure He is dead? What scriptures are fulfilled (See Psalm 34:20, Psalm 22:16, Zech. 12:10)?

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments.

To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts


Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

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