The Power of Holy Spirit

Posted on September 14, 2023 by Mark Shields

Because we worship by the power of God’s Spirit and take pride in Christ Jesus. We don’t brag about what we have done. –  Philippians 3:3

The first sign that Jesus is the Son of God is referenced in John 2:1-12 and highlighted in the post “The Power to Create”. When those around Jesus saw that He could change water into wine, their faith increased. They understood that God cares about all aspects of our life; even cared about social gatherings like a wedding banquet.

Everything in our life is important to God and He is there for us to improve our lives now and forever. Let us praise God for the gift of His Son with the song Same Power by Jeremy Camp whose power is available in us today!

As the song points out in the lyrics, the same power that rose Jesus from the grave, brought life to the dead, moved mountains, and calmed the sea lives in us. Holy Spirit in us is our greatest strength and there are amazing things that can be done with this power!

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The Power to Create

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Mark Shields

It is humbling what is done every 24 hours as the earth rotates to produce day and night. All this was set in motion by God who is in control of nature, all creatures of land, of sea, and who cares about each of us. He knows everything but we don’t and He cares more about us than we care about ourselves.

Reading today in John 2:1-12, we get information on the first miracle of Jesus. He turns water into wine at a wedding that took place at Cana. This revealed that Jesus had the power to create something from nothing. The same power of God!

This first sign made it clear to those around Jesus that the Word became flesh and performed these signs with the power of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

Jesus was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. – John 1:1-3

The result of this first sign is that the disciples believed in Jesus and followed. They saw that Jesus even cared about social gatherings like a wedding. That all aspects of our life are important to Him and He is there for us to improve our lives now and forever. Let us praise God for the gift of His Son whose power is available in us today!

This day with You God, we humbly live with Your power because of the gift of Your Son. We can be kind and do good to glorify You by being a good spouse, a good parent, a good worker, and good person that cares about others. You see in us that which we cannot see in ourselves with the ability to take on big challenges to fulfill Your purpose. Our pride is not in what we do but in what You have done and will continue to do, and it is in Your name we pray today, amen.

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The Word

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Mark Shields

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. – John 1:1-2

Like in the post “Formula for Discipleship”, the method seems simple but to apply it seems to stump us at times. It all comes down to following the Word … Jesus and what He teaches. Then sharing with those closest to us … our family, friends, and those we meet during our day.

Like the song Three Nails and A Cross by George Strait, give hope to those that need Good News and give them the formula below.

Three nails + a cross = forgiveness

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Formula for Discipleship

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Mark Shields

The Light continues to shine and like a ripple within the water that grows into a wave, what starts small begins to spread into something bigger to make an impact on the world.

Within John 1:35-51, we get a formula for discipleship. It all started with just a few who follow Jesus. Also identified as Lamb of God, Teacher, Messiah, Son of God, King of Israel, and Son of Man. Then these few tell those closest to them within their family or good friends.

Within the passage, we note that John had two disciples and when he points out Jesus as the Lamb of God, they followed. Then Andrew tells his brother Peter so they both began to follow. The next day, Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, He said to him, “Follow me (v. 43).” Then, Philip told a friend named Nathanael that they had found the one Moses wrote about in the Law so he began to follow too.

When a person has good role models to follow, they can see, believe, and achieve. They are able to follow good examples from teachers, preachers, and leaders. Most of all, they can follow the Word, get connected to and internalize the guiding principles taught by Jesus.

Some collect the knowledge from the Word and have the wisdom but fail to produce any fruit. Not only is there a need to learn but a need to connect to people and share about God’s Plan for Us.  

This day Lord … We follow Your true character. We have many questions, but we get the answer from You. All we need to do is to take the first step and follow You. Lord, you are the Word giving direction as we share with others and do good works for Your glory.  Amen.

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Leadership Being Passed On

Posted on September 10, 2023 by Mark Shields

In 1 Kings 2, leadership is being passed from one generation to the next. David gave Solomon some instructions as his reign was coming to an end and he passes on instructions from the Lord to the next generation.

A major thought from this passage is to have confidence in the Way of God. The Holy Spirit will help us make the tough decisions and have good judgment as we set out to find solutions to problems. To win the day, let’s saddle up, follow God, and embark on blazing a new trail.

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