Seeing Things with New Eyes

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Mark Shields

Much of life is directed by the low standards of this world rather than seeing God’s higher standard. The world wants us to be molded by movies, social media, advertisements, and worldly pleasures. This day with God, let us see things with new eyes of faith, hope, and love so we have a vision that prepares us for the future.

Reading today in John 9:1-17. It was late in the evening as Jesus and his disciples were walking from the temple grounds after the Festival of Tabernacles in Judea where He had been teaching. They came upon a beggar who had been blind his whole life. The disciples wanted to know why the man had been born blind and if it was because of his parent’s sin.

Jesus used this as a teaching moment. He put some mud on the man’s eyes and told him to wash in the Pool of Siloam (v. 7). The blind man did as Jesus told him to do and went home seeing. The blind man told his neighbors what had happened and also told the Pharisees who were still trying to accuse Jesus of something. They wanted to know because this all happened on the Sabbath. Many Pharisees believed that Jesus could not be from God because Jesus could not keep the Sabbath. Since He had worked and healed on the Sabbath

But it was the work of God on display when Jesus healed the man born blind. Today, if we pay close attention, we can also see God’s work on display. This day with God, take every opportunity to notice it and share with others.

This day with You Lord, we trust You for our seeing. We note what we hear, what we feel, and what we see. We opt-in to win as we believe in Your plan that is written in our hearts and ready to share with others about how we can live life victoriously together in the name of Jesus, amen.

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Thought From Devotional This Day 12-08-2023

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Mark Shields

We are given a warning for current times in 1 Kings 12:25-33 as the nation of Israel began to decline when the leaders did not follow God’s way. The leaders put God aside and manipulated the people with their own selfish motives. The nation became weak which allowed adversaries to be raised up against them and their friends.

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

Let us keep in mind as we walk along the path to a better future that we have the source of power to push us forward, the Holy Spirit to guide, and grace needed if we get out of alignment. These spiritual resources will create integrity that will lead us to a winning future with blessings beyond what can be imagined!

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Questions for Reflection for Study of John 9 Through 11

Posted on December 7, 2023 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 9:1-17 – What is the setting and events of this passage? Who are the characters? What is the blind man’s occupation? What happens to the blind man? How does he answer the neighbors? The Pharisees? Why do the Pharisees say that Jesus is not from God?

John 9:18-41 – Why do the man’s parents refuse to give information about the transformation of their son? How does the man respond when he finds out who Jesus is? By what evidence do you know that Jesus is God?

John 10:1-21 – What is the same and different about the true and false shepherd? In what two ways does Jesus identify himself with the sheep? How do sheep distinguish between the true and false shepherd?

John 10:22-42 – How does Jesus answer the Jews’ question in verse 24? What is the sheep’s relationship to the shepherd? What is the shepherd’s relationship with the sheep? Who are Jesus’ followers? How do you know if you are a follower?

John 11:1-16 – What reason does Jesus give for Lazarus’ illness? Why is Jesus unafraid? How can you have similar courage in your actions?

John 11:17-44 – Do you believe that Jesus’ timing is always right? For whose benefit does Jesus pray? How have you seen the glory of God recently?

John 11:45-57 – What are two responses to Jesus’ raising of Lazarus? What is your attitude toward statements by opposition? What is the purpose of Jesus’ death? Why does Jesus stay with the disciples?

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 7-8

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in John 7-8 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.

Noted in John 7:1-24 was that Jesus sees worth in all people, their strengths, and their potential. With forgiveness and letting go of what’s bitter, we amazingly can start to get how much Jesus loves all people. He’s given an example and it’s up to us to follow.

The takeaway from John 7:25-36 is to discover the meaning of what we read, see, or hear. It’s important to gather all the knowledge or information that can be collected. Then, ask questions, reflect, and listen for instructions during our prayer time. Prayer is our greatest power as we ask God for direction.

A thought from John 7:37-52 is that if you believe in Jesus, you receive living water or the Holy Spirit which flows inside to make possible stress free composure and inner peace in the present.

No one, including Jesus condemned the woman caught in adultery as recorded in John 8:1-11. Jesus gave guidance, but let the scribes and Pharisees be a part of a big decision. The Teacher let them take ownership in the decision and let them accept some of the responsibility for it being carried out. All Jesus had to do is encourage the scribes and Pharisees to do the right thing. They went away one by one and did not condemn the woman.

A takeaway from John 8:12-30 is to please God by speaking and acting like Jesus. Following the light of the world by listening to His instructions. Gaining knowledge, holiness, and joy in your soul. Being guided along the path to an everlasting victorious finish.

Explained in John 8:31-47 was that we all are slaves to sin. The Good News is that Christ offers freedom, so create a picture in your mind of being free. Then be drawn towards the Light that both heals and nourishes the heart.

Have you ever played catch with a football growing up? After reading John 8:48-59, I’m reminded of my dad who played catch with me as a kid growing up. Jesus is like our quarterback as we get ready to run the play. We huddle and He tells us the play to execute as we pray each day.  

God has a game plan for us and the Holy Spirit up in the press box will call the play. At this link is explained that all who accept Jesus will be rewarded because God’s kingdom has abundance, and the Spirit has no limit! The blessings consist of a future with provision, purpose, peace, and a perfect place for us that is beyond what could be imagined!

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The Play This Day

Posted on December 5, 2023 by Mark Shields

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. – Proverbs 16:3

As written about in “Execution of the Plan”, Jesus is our quarterback as we get ready to run the play this day. We will huddle and He will tell us the play to execute as we now pray.

It’s up to us to listen so we can follow God’s plan for us and execute the play. Holy Spirit is with us to push us along to fulfill our role on the team like an enthusiastic crowd. We will run, block, and catch what is thrown our way.

We are now breaking the huddle to execute the play this day. To inspire us, we listen to the song Let The Light In by Kari Jobe (feat. Cody Carnes) as Holy Spirit powers us on.

Time to arise,
open the windows,
and let the Light shine.
Time for the sleeper to awake!
Time to rearrange,
and the old winds to change.
Holy Spirit says it’s time.
Time to begin,
gaining this win
by letting the King of glory in.

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