Poetry Friday 5-20-2022

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Mark Shields

Today’s poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by “Fulfilling Our Purpose Out of Love”.  Jesus’ ministry is not in the procedure but in the person of Christ who creatively used the sense of touch in healing a man who could not hear. Our obedience to Jesus has an effect on others so let us take special interest in others to creatively build them up and help them understand spiritual matters.

The photo was taken before a July 4th parade in my neighborhood in 2009. The kids on their bikes now have their own cars. Some have gone off to college. Some neighbors and their families have moved to different communities but we stay in touch and continue to build memories.

Take inspiration today from the song What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship. The word at the beginning hidden in creation became a person named Jesus. Death could not hold Him and He was raised to life again. There is no rival or equal. The name above all names and nothing can stand against. What a powerful name it is … the name of Jesus!

Posted in Poems | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Actions Rise Above Excuses

Posted on May 19, 2022 by Mark Shields

Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it. – Hebrews 4:16

Some might blame situations or others for hard times but it’s important to let your actions rise above excuses. The deed is half done when you make a beginning so like discussed in “The First Step of the Way”, start by turning to God.

Take the path with initiative because procrastination is harmful to any endeavor. Listen to the song I Refuse by Josh Wilson and set out to get on the move. Refuse to not move because staying in despair can become catastrophic. Small steps of faith will lead to big accomplishments for God’s glory.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Initiative | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The First Step of the Way

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Mark Shields

The Word of God gives us plans of action so we start there first. Then, we give God our best … the best part of our day! We take in the instructions from His Word and set out to follow them in all we do. Today, we are reading in Job 7.

Job compares the life of a mortal man to hard service on earth. To a slave longing for the evening shadows or a hired laborer waiting to be paid (v. 2). A mortal man in despair still has hope but for him the night drags on and he has no hope.  Job wishes that he could get a break to rest but he cannot sleep and his life is futile.

To someone in despair, the feeling is that there is nothing left so we must let them know that the Word of God is still available. They can turn to the Word for encouragement and take that first step to better days ahead. Let them know that today is the day for a new beginning and they can step ahead with a small amount of faith. Taking in the Word can penetrate into the soul like a healing medicine.

God will take their initiative of faith and return back to them grace which will spark the first step towards the way. With guidance, they will step ahead with the easy activities first. Then God will set things up for them to finish out the more difficult activities that will lead to better days ahead.

This day with You Lord we have picked the right path and we are stepping ahead on this journey. We’ve taken the first step of the way by taking in the Bread of Life. Our hunger is being satisfied and we are sharing with others. We are empowered by the indwelling Spirit to live a life with purpose and we give You all the glory … in Jesus name. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Initiative | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Offer a Kind Word

Posted on May 17, 2022 by Mark Shields

A thought brought out in “Warm Hearted Spirit” is that bad things can happen to people and it may not be their fault. When bad things happen, people need someone to listen and offer a kind word; a warm-hearted spirit to encourage them. Think of ideas for being warm-hearted so you help others trust God more in difficult times. Jesus demonstrated to us the path to compassion. The Master teacher has given all of us the opportunity for freedom as the video Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) by Chris Tomlin

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Kindness | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Warm Hearted Spirit

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Mark Shields

One practice I started a while back was taking notes when I listen to a sermon. I then will record the main thought from the sermon that can help me to apply my faith. One of these thoughts from the sermon of Pastor Steve Ramsdell on May 31, 2015 was that we all were led to faith by someone who shared about God’s Son. The kindness of inviting and connecting through the power of the Holy Spirit keeps on affecting a society. Those in need receive and more begin to believe as we use our God given gifts to serve. Then more begin to observe the warm-hearted spirit of Christ followers and want to get started themselves.

Job talks of his sorrow in Job 6. The anguish and misery he is going through because of losing everything. His children, his livestock, and his property. Then, he is afflicted with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head (Job 3:7). 

He expects his friends to be able to give advice but instead their thoughts are on why God is punishing Job. They don’t understand that bad things can happen to good people and it may not be their fault. When bad things happen, people need someone to listen and offer a kind word; a warm-hearted spirit to encourage them.

Think of ideas for being warm-hearted so you help others trust God more in difficult times. The best way to manage societies problems are with neighbors helping neighbors. Like ripples in the water, acts of kindness may seem small at first but eventually they make an impact in the world around us.

This day with You God, we understand that bad things can happen to good people and it’s not always their fault. They need someone who will listen and offer encouragement. Just like the encouragement You have given us when You gave us Your Son to set us free. Your kindness is personal and You are merciful. You are caring and never overbearing.  Because of Your Son, You accept everyone.

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

Posted in Bible Study, Kindness | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments