The Most Excellent Way

Posted on November 21, 2018 by Mark Shields

Explained by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 is that the body of Christ is like our physical body that has many parts that form one. The activities of the body are coordinated by the Holy Spirit. Each part fulfills an essential function and is unified to fulfill the most excellent way.

Paul relates the parts of the human body to the church body to illustrate the necessity for each of us to discover our God given strengths. Each diverse member should carry out their role to produce a healthy body.

The right attitude of a person with a less spectacular gift to a person with a more spectacular gift is to rejoice when the more spectacular gift is honored. If you were on a sports team and a great player was honored with an award, the whole team should feel honored … from those who were a major contributor to those who sat on the bench. Those who sat on the bench contributed in some way to the success of the great player. It may have been hours of practice with the great player or offering encouragement along the way.

This day with You Lord, we accept our lot in life. You have given each of us a role to play with the body of Christ. Help us today to just let go and put You in control. You are our strength even when we may think there is no way but with You there is a way and it is the best way.

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The ONE Who Holds the Whole Christian Faith Together

Posted on November 20, 2018 by Mark Shields

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7 

The post “Spiritual Gifts” explains that Jesus is the ONE who holds the whole Christian faith together.  The body of Christ coalesce the diverse gifts of Christians. Through the Spirit, discover your gifts for the express purpose of kingdom building.

As the song There is Power by Lincoln Brewster highlights, the Holy Spirit is there when two or more are gathered. There is power in the Name of Jesus and nothing can stand against us. 

 

 

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Spiritual Gifts

Posted on November 19, 2018 by Mark Shields

Paul wants the Corinthians to understand that each person has a spiritual gift. Listed in 1 Corinthians 12:1-13 are different kinds of spiritual gifts and the same Spirit distributes them. Each person’s specific gifts are determined by the work of the same Holy Spirit for the purpose of common good and for God’s glory.

Jesus is the ONE who holds our faith together.  The body of Christ coalesce the diverse gifts of Christians. Through the Spirit, discover your gifts for the express purpose of kingdom building.

The photo below was taken at my church. You can see in this photo many gifts being exhibited from the choir in front of the church to those behind the scenes doing technical sound and video presentation to bring the worship service outside the walls of the physical church building.

The body of Christ coalesce the diverse gifts of Christians.

This day with You Lord, we come to You in the name of Jesus. There is great power in the name of Jesus and the Holy Spirit empowers each of us to use our skill or talents for Your glory. Help us to use our individual talents and set out to work each day to benefit the common good for Your glory. Amen.

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Shame to Fame

Posted on November 16, 2018 by Mark Shields

Lessons in determination can be gained from what others did when faced with difficulty. Today’s poem was inspired by such a person who against all odds rose to prominence to become known as “Bard of Avon”. Have a blessed weekend!

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Lessons in determination can be gained from studying the life of people.

A lesson given
In determination
From a young lad
Seeking an education.

Born into wealth
His dad hits a tough spell
Losing everything
And life not so swell.

Could not attend
University
With lack of funds
And adversity.

Married at eighteen,
Child on the way;
A life of hard times
Was on full display.

Work in the theater
Became his aim
Determined to succeed
And gain great fame.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 10-18-2018

This is a photo of the Royal Shakespeare Theater dedicated to the English playwright and poet William Shakespeare. The photo was taken when I went on a travel/study trip to England with a college group in July of 1983. The life of Shakespeare is a lesson in determination as he went through some difficult times but went from shame to fame becoming England’s…

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Getting Ready for Each Day

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Mark Shields

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. – Mark 1:35 

Brought out in the post “Preparation” was how Paul taught the Corinthian church to get ready for the Lord’s Supper.

We should do the same and as we prepare for each day. Let us take in the Word, pray, and develop plans for the tasks for our day. The way with God is the best way for each day.  Believe that things will fall into place and you will get a lot more things done than you ever imagined you could.

This Day with the Lord will be amazing because of who He is and who we are; an important name in history – one of His children.

As the song Every Good Thing by the Afters points out, begin each day with the attitude that the Lord is the reason for every good thing. The reason for family, friends, children, and in building memories with all. 


Index of devotionals

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