Number One

Posted on January 10, 2024 by Mark Shields

Priorities are made and choices are made. Many times, opportunities to grow in faith are set aside but this day with God, let us make Jesus our number one as we grow our faith beyond just the mediocre.

It was six days before the Passover as recorded in John 12:1-11, and Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus lived. This is Lazarus who Jesus had raised from the dead who was the brother of Martha and Mary.

They gathered for dinner in Jesus’ honor (v. 2). While Martha was preparing a dinner, Mary decided to pour expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet. Her attitude and actions revealed that she was totally focused on what was most important in her life.

Judas Iscariot who would later betray Jesus said that the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor, but reading further, the passage says Judas was really not concerned for the poor. He was keeper of the money bag and would help himself to what was put into it (v. 6).

When a large crowd found out that Jesus was there, they came not only to see Jesus but also to see Lazarus. Having a friendship with Jesus like Lazarus did gives us an example that we should want to emulate because Lazarus was turning people’s attention to Jesus. The chief priests could not let this happen because they believed the Romans would take away the temple and their nation if Jesus threatened them. They not only wanted to kill Jesus but wanted to kill Lazarus too.

The take away for us is to know what’s most important in our life and focus in on that. To understand that what’s on the inside or in the heart is most important because that’s what will ultimately come out in what we do and how we do it. Let us remember the old saying “actions speak louder than words”.

Along this journey God, help us to focus on what is most important like Mary did. To keep focused on what truly matters most. Help us to use the individual skills we have to reveal Your glory. To focus on the eternal and our relationship with Jesus so we stay on target with our purpose which is turning people’s attention to Jesus. In His name we pray, amen.

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Questions for Reflection for Study of John 12 Through 13

Posted on January 9, 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 12:1-11 – How is Lazarus identified? What is different about the attitudes of Mary and Judas? Is Judas concerned for the poor? What do your attitudes and actions reveal about your character? Why to the chief priests want to kill Lazarus? What is ironical about their plan (See Chap 11)?

John 12:12-19 – Why does the crowd go to meet Jesus (See 11:56)? Why do you follow Jesus? When do the disciples understand the significance of the event? How do the Pharisees react to this event (See John 11:57)?

John 12:20-36 – How are the Greeks’ request and Jesus’ comments (See John 12:23-26) related? What area of life is God calling me to surrender? How will the Son of man be glorified? How can your life bear much fruit? What is the purpose of Jesus’ death (See John 3:14-15)?

John 12:37-50 – In what areas of life do you love the praise of men rather than the praise of God? What claims does Jesus make in verses 44-50? How will a person who rejects Jesus be finally judged?

John 13:1-11 – What is Jesus’ state of mind as the time of his death approaches? How can you have similar composure when you face threatening situations? What action does Jesus perform during the Last Supper?

John 13:12-20 – How does Jesus apply the significance of his action in verses 4-11? How can you obey verse 14 in modern times? What scripture will be fulfilled (See Psalms 41:9)?

John 13:21-35 – Do the disciples realize who will betray Jesus? What do verses 31-32 reveal about the relationship of God and Jesus? What is the standard of brotherly or sisterly love to one another? How can you fulfill this commandment?

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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Spiritual Journey Through John 9-11

Posted on January 8, 2024 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in John 9-11 and sharing some thoughts that not only can benefit you now but also help the next generation too! The greatest of all possessions one can hand off to future generations are the guiding principles taught from the Word of God.

Noticed in John 9:1-17 is the work of God is on display when Jesus healed the man born blind. Today, if we pay close attention, we can also see God’s work on display. Let us take every opportunity to notice this work and report it to others.

Discovered from John 9:18-41 is this new and improved reality that the evidence to know Jesus is God comes from the witnesses of His life as documented in the Gospel. Evidence is also received from sermons, from Sunday school lessons, from those that talk or sing about Him, and experiences in our own life.

From John 10:1-21, noted is that Jesus is the good shepherd or the Word in the flesh so you can listen, understand, and obey; be led to the green pastures, take in the principles taught by Jesus, and be able to apply these principles in how you live.

Pointed out in John 10:22-42 is that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who is here with us as a friend, who reveals himself, and brings out the best in us. Let us feel His presence, listen to His voice, and take advantage of His instructions as we step ahead along this journey.

Ascertained from reading John 11:1-16 is Jesus’ willingness to die to accomplish God’s purpose. Let us take this encouragement and know God’s glorious power is available to conquer fear. We have all we need in order to courageously face the delays, disappointments, or other challenges this world sets before us.

A takeaway from John 11:17-44 is the need to rely on God to make things possible when it seems impossible. It’s when we hit a wall that the opportunity for the Lord to make the impossible possible exist. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can take on difficulty and figure out how to step ahead through it to the other side.

Uncovered in John 11:45-57 is the plot to kill Jesus. To get away for a while, Jesus went to a small village away from the public to stay with His disciples and prepare them for the rough days ahead. He gave up some comforts and went through adversity in order to fulfill His purpose; to die for the children of God and enrich the world.

God has a purpose for us too! In all stages of life be it a teenager deciding what type of career they would like to pursue, a college student, a young professional, a leader within a business or organization, or someone nearing or already in retirement. At all stages of life, the Bible is helpful in providing what is needed to do great things for God’s glory. If you have not done so yet, click the follow button to be notified of future post.

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Thought From Devotional This Day 01-05-2024

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Mark Shields

In exploring the passage from 1 Kings 14:1-20, discovered is that there is a need to be faithful to God by knowing our purpose. We need to test and approve God’s will in our life. If we do not design our life plan together with God, there’s a good chance we will fall into someone else’s plan that doesn’t maximize our potential for God’s glory.

Index of devotionals

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

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Let the Lord Direct Your Steps

Posted on January 4, 2024 by Mark Shields

Noted in ”Focused To Fulfill His Purpose”, a plot to kill Jesus started. Jesus went to a small village away from the public. He stayed with His disciples to prepare them for the rough days ahead. He gave up some comforts and went through adversity in order to fulfill His purpose; to die on the cross, and save those who sought after Him.

This day, let the Lord direct your steps like the song Lead Me On by Amy Grant. As the song says, be led to a place where the river runs into His keeping. Where the awaited deliverance comforts the seeking.

Index of devotionals

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

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