The Real Thing

Posted on July 19, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God, collect the precious insight gained in His Word and be inspired by today’s poem. Like a deep lake that stores us water, we can store up what is good for our soul.

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Lake TahoeGood for the soul
Stored up inside
Like water in a lake
From the mountainside.

Refreshed with the real thing
And not counterfeit
But the Word of God
For your benefit.

Giving great power
Through simplicity
When the world offers
Only complexity.

Impossible rules
And regulations
But the gospel message
Gives affirmations.

Where grace is enough
And true devotion
To the only way
Is set in motion.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 06-27-2019

To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

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Keep the Body in Which Christ Lives Both Physically and Spiritually Fit

Posted on July 18, 2019 by Mark Shields

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? – 1 Corinthians 3:16

Written in the post “Exercise for the Soul” is the statement that physical training has great benefits for your present physical health but it’s the exercise of the soul that provides everlasting gain.

One idea I’ve tried in my exercise routine is to listen to Christian music while I work out. The mixing of praise music and exercise provides benefits to both the physical body and the spiritual body. One song that really gets the body moving and inspires for a good day is Beautiful Day by Jamie Grace. 

 

 

This day with God, keep the body in which Christ lives both physically and spiritually fit. Build up muscles of faith, seek Truth, experience joy, and recognize wonder.

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Exercise for the Soul

Posted on July 17, 2019 by Mark Shields

Paul tells Timothy that the Word of God and prayer will be his defense against false teaching. As explained in 1 Timothy 4:6-16, being nourished in the faith will provide benefits for both his present life and eternal life. Also, those he leads in the faith will be given the benefit of spiritual health now and for the life to come.

The reason for daily Bible study in current times is to understand and apply God’s Word in our life. Similar to physical exercise, when we exercise our faith we are building faith muscles. Our faith muscles will protect against those that try to harm similar to protection against germs that try to invade our physical bodies. Daily Bible study gives the knowledge needed to warn us when wild religious ideas try to lead us and those around us down the wrong path.

In today’s passage Paul instructs Timothy to set an example for believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity (v. 12). To Study and practice what the Word of God teaches. Then Share with others using the strengths God has given.

We too should be an example for others to follow and use our God given strengths for the benefit of other believers. You may be good at teaching, encouraging, organizing, or in using technology to share the gospel.

Physical training has great benefits for your present physical health but it’s the exercise of the soul that provides an everlasting gain.

This day with You Lord, we are thankful that Your Word can bring truth in the areas of life in which we struggle so the lies are replaced with the Truth. As we memorize scripture, pray, and offer our praises, we are building up our faith muscles. We live in turbulent times but to handle these times, we need to invest in the body which Christ lives and build up these muscles of faith, seek Truth, experience joy, and recognize wonder. Amen.

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Center of Information for Every Good Thing

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Mark Shields

All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

The post “Purpose of the Church” offers the thought that the church should be the center of information for everything that is good. The place for believers to be linked to instruction and marvel at the mystery of righteousness.

As highlighted in today’s song Every Good Thing by The Afters, Jesus is the reason for every good thing. Family, friends, anything that last in life.


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Purpose of the Church

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God as we read 1 Timothy 3:14 through 4:5, Paul is writing to Timothy giving instructions on how people ought to conduct themselves in church. The instructions are for Timothy so he may lead the church while Paul is away.

Paul says the church should be the pillar and foundation of truth. The leader of the church should take care of the family of God in a respectful way by being faithful and a good overseer of their spiritual needs.

The photo above is worship time for the students at Abilene Christian University. The worship leaders create passion, enthusiasm, and purpose by mixing the mysteries of the Spirit with knowledge for the mind. They pray, receive directions, and desire to present it to others for the purpose of building up the house of the Lord.

The core or great mystery of Christianity is that Jesus came to live on earth in the flesh, supported by the Spirit, seen by many, talked about around the world, and then taken back in glory. So God became flesh on earth with the purpose of giving wisdom and truth to all who would pay attention.

For faith to truly take hold and make a difference in our life, we need to be rooted in Christ. We need to accept Jesus as the wonderful teacher who explains the way to being set free with truth for you and for me. By being rooted in Christ, we will flourish with a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. We will also be protected from being led astray by false teachers.

Lord, this day Your Word is becoming ingrained in who we are. We are patient for Your power to work through us and know that life is designed for eternity. We may not be perfect now but are heading toward that realization because we are rooted in Your Word. Our frustration is reduced, our concentration is better, and our enthusiasm grows day by day for Your return. Today, we have a new freedom, energy, and purpose because of Your love for us. Amen.

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