Light in Darkness

Posted on September 14, 2020 by Mark Shields

This day with God will be amazing because He thinks you are AWESOME! Focus on what you can do and not on what you wish you could do. Then what seemed to be impossible will become possible.

The purpose of light is to help us see. In today’s reading of Mark 4:21-25, the lamp provides light and the spiritual principles Christ is illustrating here is for us to discover the strength of God’s assistance.

God is like the lighthouse constantly there to help us find our way.

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God is our strength. You may feel like there is no way but with God there is a way and His way is the best way. Through the Holy Spirit, we are given the light to find our place in this world and are given insight towards being the best at what we do. Then we can share with others about the light that brings us home. 

Lord, You can do amazing things through each of us. In dark times, we can shine the Light. Your amazing grace will keep us on pace. We look to You to show us the way as we each discover who we are and the spark we provide. Help us today be willing to let this spark shine bright in dark places so we complete the mission You have for us. Amen.

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Worship 09-13-2020

Posted on September 13, 2020 by Mark Shields

Today’s message offers three ideas to help remain sane and give hope as we try to cope in these crazy times. It can be seen 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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Plant the Word in Good Soil

Posted on September 12, 2020 by Mark Shields

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2

As pointed out in the post “Plentiful Harvest”, our responsibility is to take in the word from above, share it, and let God do the rest.  Then the harvest will be plentiful.

Jesus spoke in parables so listeners could focus in on, retain and absorb the wonderful words of God. The seeds are God’s words and the soil is the human heart. The heart rich with God’s principles becomes most productive.

God has a purpose for each of us and sometimes we just need to stop and evaluate our situation. A song by George Strait “I saw God Today” emphasizes how we should stop and pay attention to the good things around us and be thankful. Then the word will be planted in good soil so it can grow and multiply. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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Come in the Glory of the Father

Posted on September 11, 2020 by Mark Shields

This day, Christ sits at the right hand of God, purging our sins and guiding us with limitless authority. This poem was written to give you a great start to your day and be a momentum changer to facing challenges with confidence.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Christ sends us signs
So no need to fuss
For He will send angels
To guard over us.

By learning His ways,
Things fall into place
So give Him praise
Because of grace.

Angels will speak life
As humanity is enticed
And linked to God
Through Savior Christ.

Guiding with power
Unlimited for the brave
Like a ripple in the water
That grows into a wave.

Encouraging others
Even during strife
And impacting the world
With a much better life.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 08-13-2020
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – Hebrews 1:5-14”

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Plentiful Harvest

Posted on September 10, 2020 by Mark Shields

This blog is being built as a tool for daily Bible reading and prayer. It’s a guide that divides the Bible up in such a way that a person can read a daily passage and offers questions to help in reflection. Today, we are reading Mark 4:1-20 and using questions to get the mind thinking so one may be inspired to jot down notes.

These notes of ideas, thoughts, or plans might be of use to share with others or apply in life. If we pay attention to the world, disorder will expand to fill the void of human failure but if we pay attention to God, order will fill the void with greatness.

Jesus used stories from real life or parables to teach. Today’s Parable of the Sower describes four types of soil. Seeds sown in the hard soil along the path do not have a chance to grow because the birds eat them. This is similar to the word taken away by Satan so the Word is not heard. Seeds planted in the shallow rocky soil are like hearing the Word but not taking root and lasting only a short time.

Seeds planted in the weedy soil or among the thorns is similar to hearing the word but the worries of life, deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things come and choke out the word. On the other hand, seeds planted in good soil is similar to hearing the Word, accepting it, and producing a crop that multiplies because the Word is shared with others.

Our responsibility is to plant the word in good soil. In a place or in such a way so that we can understand the word and apply it in our life. Another way to put it is to take in the word, share the word, and let God do the rest.  Then the harvest will be plentiful.

This day with You Lord, we are thankful for the parable of the sower. A lesson in the importance of spending time understanding Your Word and spending time with You in prayer. We face so many distractions in our world. Help us find ways to share about the gospel so others can understand more about You. Help us find ways to see You at work in the birth of a child, the celebration of a birthday, a graduation ceremony, the morning sun rise, or the evening sunset. This day with You, let us communicate how You can handle yesterdays and tomorrows so that total attention can be put on today. Amen.

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