Bridge to Eternity

Suspension Bridge that crosses the Brazos River in Waco Texas

The photo above is the Waco Suspension Bridge. It was built for the purpose of crossing the time-consuming and sometimes dangerous ordeal of circumventing the Brazos River near Waco Texas. It supported commerce and was a crossing point as they drove cattle up the Chisholm Trail.

In the photo below, the statues of the cowboy on his horse and the cow where built in honor of that historic past. That’s my family in front of the monuments and the bridge is in the background.

It took a lot of time and effort to build that bridge but if there is a plan, there is a better shot at getting things done. Things will fall in place and we will get a lot more done than we ever thought we could. Not all plans are perfect but God’s plan for us is a plan that is perfect because God knows the past, the present, and the future. Our bridge to eternity was built by the only qualified candidate who is fully human and fully divine!

We find out more today in reading Mark 8:27 through 9:1 about God’s plan. Jesus has two questions for the disciples: one is “Who do people say I am?” The other is “Who do you say I am?” They drew from knowledge or evidence and replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets (v. 28).” Peter responded that you are the Messiah.”

Jesus then predicts His death on the cross and introduces a paradox to their old thinking.  That there would be victory through death because there would be the resurrection and the power of transformation with new freedom, energy, and purpose for all followers.

This new covenant teaching for the followers towards the new Way provides a means to keep our perspective clear as we embrace the will of God and are passionate in accomplishing the purpose He has given us.

The hindrances to discipleship may include lack of time or lack of resources but mostly, it’s just a lack of energy or initiative. Rather than have a world view like Peter, let’s have a godly perspective. Ask for God’s help to meet the objective and form a plan To be effective. With a heavenly perspective, our energy never drains and God forever reigns.

This day with You Lord, we are thankful for the bridge built for us to eternity. This is Good News for us as we cross over to victory by repenting, asking for forgiveness, and receiving the blessing. Our perspective is clear, our energy level is higher, and we will embrace Your will to passionately accomplish the purpose You have given us. Amen.

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All Saints’ Sunday

Nobody is perfect, everyone is welcome, and anything is possible as pointed out at this Link or by clicking on the video below.

Worship online via FUMC at this link https://firstwaco.com/ or Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

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Food for the Soul

One small thing can lead to something big. Reading a poem that inspires may start something big. It may initiate something in your life or in the life someone you share this with to accept Christ as Savior and bring more enthusiasm for the days ahead.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Taking in food
That is good for the soul,
Makes us whole,
Keeps God in control.

Enthusiastically
Taking in goodness,
Striving for excellence
With a cheerfulness.

That overflows
In our actions
To fulfill a purpose
Without distractions.

Since Adam and Eve,
A lethal disease
Brought on by sin
And life is no breeze.

But Jesus was born
And the disease is cured
With a dose of grace,
Eternity is ensured.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 10-15-2020
Inspired by “Overcome with Desire and Enthusiasm
Photo – The picture is my dog Marlee. She is ready each day to get up early for her food. She jumped up on the chair next to the table and it was her way to tell us she was ready to be fed. In the same way, we should be ready each day just like Marlee to come to the table and receive…

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The Text Book to the School of Wisdom

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. – 2 Peter 3:18

As noted in the post “Simply Believe”, Jesus helps individuals one on one because everyone is unique and that’s how best to meet the needs of people. A one size fits all approach is not the best way.

Churches, businesses, and organizations could learn much about meeting the needs of their members or customers by following this approach of balancing adaptability with efficiency. To meet the needs of their members or customers one on one.

The best way is to follow God’s path. We can enroll in God’s school of wisdom and apply this wisdom in our life. The Bible is the text book to the course and Jesus is the example to follow. Here’s a video with these thoughts in mind: The Way by Jeremy Camp.

Index of devotionals

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Simply Believe

Simple ideas can result in amazing discoveries but many overlook the simple and had rather believe the complicated. Think about it: All the lyrics to songs and all the books written were formed from only 26 letters of the alphabet.

Reading in Mark 8:11-26, the Pharisees couldn’t accept the simple truth and always wanted to complicate things. They wanted a sign from heaven for Jesus to prove He was the Messiah but Jesus refuses because He had already given many signs yet they refused to believe.

Jesus warns the disciples to be aware of the Pharisees because they wanted life to be complicated. They didn’t want to believe and would always refuse to accept the truth even when plenty of evidence was provided. While going to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus was trying to explain to the disciples that spiritual assets in life are of greater value the physical wants in life.

Think about it: we put so much of our effort into our physical needs. We work for income to buy food, housing, clothing, and vehicles. Then to cover loses, we buy insurance. But for spiritual assets, most do not give much effort. A few may spend 15, 20, 30 minutes per day attending to these resources. Most do not even spend this much!

Arriving at Bethsaida, a blind man was brought to Jesus. He spit on the man’s eyes and the man could partially see. Then Jesus put his hands on the man to fully restore his sight. The acts of Jesus are always appropriate to our needs. Sometimes we do not have our total spiritual sight at first. It take stages of growth as we journey through life to completely see spiritual truths.

One way to increase our ability to see spiritual truths is to document along the way. Write notes from our own experiences, our reading, sermons, and Bible study. Then we can refer back to these notes and reflect on how God was there to bring us through. We gain experience from the lessons learned along the way and can share with others to build their faith too!

This day with You Lord, increase our spiritual assets as we follow the Way. As we answer the question what are we seeking, the answer is from You because if we are seeking Christ, we are seeking who is most important for He has given the Way. The path as been laid and as we step ahead, You are with us along the Way. Amen

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