Unshakable Kingdom

Reading in Hebrews 12:25 through 13:8, explained is that the new kingdom cannot be shaken and those who accept Christ are on solid ground but those who do not will be shaken. So as Christians, we are a part of an “unshakable kingdom” and no matter what happens here on earth, our future is on a solid foundation that cannot be destroyed.

The world wants to trust the wisdom of science but as the years go by, we find out science has made the wrong assertions that are proven incorrect. The world believes in the power of money but doesn’t understand that money is limited and God is unlimited. Many in the world desire one big world government but God is bigger than the world.

This day with God, let us set out to apply our faith, maintain, hope, and love one another by implementing the qualities urged by the author of this passage. Good qualities originate in God, are implemented with study and prayer, and grow in the heart. It is beneficial to document thoughts and formulate plans with the hope that good qualities become an automatic process in our life.

One idea to help us apply our faith is the use of inspirational poems because poetry narrows thoughts to a few lines as the mind inspires the heart to tangible actions. Below is one of those poems inspired from 2 Corinthians 5:11-19.

New Creation

Reconciled to God
Through Jesus Christ
And living for the ONE
Who died for our life!

A new creation;
Wrong-doing wiped clean
With access through prayer
To power unseen.

An amazing power
To help achieve
Significant dreams
If we only believe.

So dream big dreams;
The more the merrier
Since even the grave
Is no barrier.

Dream about discoveries
For coming generations
By listening … following,
Making declarations.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 04-25-2019

Reconciliation to God through Christ shapes our character. We become a new creation, we regard people differently (they are our brothers & sisters), we demonstrate more courage, initiative, kindness, and optimism.

This day with You Lord, we pray today expecting great things to happen because You will lead us from the intangibles of faith into the tangibles of good deeds. Our study and prayer will grow in our heart to formulate the plans for this day. We are in the process of building muscle memory so our faith can be applied. Amen.

 

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Worship 04-12-2020

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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Bring Joy Today by Sharing God’s Way

This poem was written to give inspiration for the future. A future in which neighbors unify in helping others find joy in following God’s way.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Many today
Are stuck in humdrum
So help them find joy
In what is to come.

Inspired today
By the promises read
And the excitement
Of the journey ahead.

Not trapped always
By a gloomy past
But living free
Where the reward is vast!

Building each other up
With words that enthuse
And sharing thoughts
About the Good News.

As we step ahead
In togetherness
To make the complex
More effortless.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 03-05-2020
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – Leviticus 9

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Bring Praise to God Together

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. – Romans 15:7

The post “One Common Thread Binds Us” emphasizes the fact that because of grace which keeps flowing like a never ending stream, we are linked to the power of the Holy Spirit and are beneficiaries of this power.

Like the song Come to the Table by Sidewalk Prophets all are welcome to come together to accept God’s grace. This day with God, take your place beside the Savior, sit down and be set free. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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One Common Thread Binds Us

This day, let us explore Hebrews 12:14-24 remembering that there is one common thread that binds us; the power of Christ in what we believe and how we live. Our relationship to the Lord affects our relationship with others because all believers are brothers and sisters who are the beneficiaries of God’s treasure. This should motivate us to live in peace and care for one another.

In the Old Testament times God was approached with fear and only after following the specific laws of sacrifice but because of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit is with us in our heart helping daily to live out our purpose. Let us respond to this assistance by fulfilling God’ purpose for us.

God accepts, appreciates, and affirms all who accept His Son as Savior. We should do the same because we are all made for a purpose and we need to celebrate our diversity; accepting the rich, the poor, the introvert, the extrovert, the proud, the humble, the liberal, and the conservative.

God meets where we are and gives grace to all so accept this grace and live in peace. We can learn from each other or from sermons about patience and God’s grace. Grace is God’s gift. This kind gift from God is always available. Be patient with others and with God’s timing because grace is like a flowing stream of water that keeps coming and coming.

This day with You Lord, we accept this grace offered. You meet us where we are and give grace to all. The rich, the poor, the introvert, the extrovert, the proud, the humble, the liberal, and the conservative. Our relationship to You Lord affects our attitude towards others because we are all brothers and sisters who are beneficiaries of Your vast resources. Today, we live in peace and care for one another. Amen.

 

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