Higher Power

Paul was content even in tough times because it was during these times that he was dependent on a greater power. This poem was written to give hope in tough times.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Obstacles faced
Will be removed
Giving a great hope
For a life improved.

Walt Disney was fired
And life was rough
Because he was told
Not creative enough.

Sylvester Stallone
Struggled to make ends meet
Homeless at one point
Then “Rocky” was complete.

Difficulties
Like air resistance
To an airplane
Can give assistance.

Lifting to new heights
Hour by hour
By relying on
A higher power.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 07-04-2019

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Come Together and Gather Around the Table

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

From the post “Be Wise and Organize” are some thoughts about organizing groups. They should be teams organized to do things that help the members, organization, and community they are a part of. If it is functioning properly, society is much better off.

The song Come to the Table by Sidewalk Prophets is about people coming together and gathering around a table after being invited to a Bible study group.  


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Be Wise and Organize

This day with God as we read 1 Timothy 5:17 through 6:2, let us be wise in how we organize so that the church, company or organization we are a part of is a group that is functioning at a high level. It should be a team organized to do things that help the members and local community. If it is functioning properly, society is better off.

There are some dangers Paul tells Timothy to guard against while leading a church. Protect against gossip, not holding others accountable, and joining in on activities that are wrong. Do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich.

These same type of administrative ideas for the church brought out in today’s passage are also useful at the workplace or in your neighborhood. The photo below was taken some years ago when our neighborhood would organize a July 4th parade. It was a time to get to know each other and celebrate our nation’s birthday at the same time.

July 4th celebration in my neighborhood

Our attitude toward our leaders like our employer should be one of respect. If we are a team player, we offer ideas but in the end follow the ones laid out by our leaders. Their ideas are as right to them as our ideas are to us. Desire that the company or organization you are a part of succeeds because if they flourish, then you have a better chance to do the same.

Lord, this day with You will be amazing because You are the common thread that binds us together. The power You give in what we believe and how we live results in groups of people bringing glory to You. Lord, we do not judge others but encourage others. No one person is more important than another. Everyone has great value in Your eye and we care for each other. Amen.

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Making an Impact on the World

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32

The post “Ripple Affect”, offers advice about kindness and respect of elders. Treating an older man like a father and an older woman like a mother. We should constantly think about and come up with ideas to help those in need. Like ripples on the water, acts of kindness and compassion impacts the world in so many positive ways.

Jesus demonstrated to us the path to compassion as pointed out in this video: Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) by Chris Tomlin. Be a part of making this day with God amazing with compassion and kindness to family members or neighbors. 
 

 

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Ripple Affect

During the time of writing 1 Timothy 5:1-16, widows and elders were vulnerable in society. There was no social security, no life insurance, and jobs did not provide pensions or 401k funds. Many elders or widows could not support themselves.

Paul gives practical good common sense advice for helping widows and elders. Family members should offer help first and then the church can be there to support if needed. In return for the churches help, many widows or elders would give valuable service to the church.

This advice given by Paul in today’s passage is applicable today. One act of kindness produces a ripple effect as the power of the Holy Spirit keeps on affecting a society. Those in need receive and more begin to believe because they join in on the help to make society better.

Like ripples in the water, acts of kindness may seem small at first but eventually makes an impact in the world around you.

Lord this day, we ask for good thoughts and ideas for helping those in need like elders or widows. The person in need may be a relative or a neighbor. Help us to revere our parents, be charitable, show compassion for those in need, and respect the aged. Like ripples on the water, the things we do may seem small but will have a big impact on others. Amen

 

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