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. 


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Preparation

Posted on November 14, 2018 by Mark Shields

Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 about their preparation to the Lord’s Supper. He had heard that the believers were not unified spiritually. Before communion, it was customary for them to eat together but cliques had formed so that the rich had a gathering with much food but the poor or needy were insufficiently provided for.

Paul goes on with his teaching concerning the Lord’s Supper and disciplines them in their preparation. He explains the purpose for the bread and wine; the bread representing the body and the wine as the blood of the Lord.

Paul explains that their wrong spiritual attitudes would bring on judgment resulting in sickness, weakness, and even death among them. Instead, each person should prepare for the communion meal in unity, share equally, and remember what Christ has done for them.

Lord, we come to You in prayer today as we prepare for our day. Following Your way gives us the best chance to get amazing things done today. More than we could ever imagine. You give limitless resources to make a difference, tell others that You love them, and meet urgent needs in the most efficient way. Amen

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Simplified Way

Posted on November 13, 2018 by Mark Shields

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. – 2 Peter 3:18

Many things in a culture can complicate our life as brought out in some points made in the post “Respect for Customs and Traditions”. During the time of Paul, women were to cover their heads. Also discussed was the relationship between God, man, and woman.

Fortunately, we have an example to follow in Jesus who is the Way. The gospel message provides us with a beautiful and refreshing simplicity that sets us free and never lets us down. Here is an inspiring song today to get us started called The Way by Jeremy Camp.


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Respect for Customs and Traditions

Posted on November 12, 2018 by Mark Shields

In 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, Paul discusses the issue of head covering. The custom during the day of Paul was that women were to cover their heads for modesty reasons. They wore long hair and covered their heads in public to symbolize their submission and purity. On the other hand, it was not appropriate for a man to participate in public worship with something on his head (v. 4).

One has to wonder if these customs during the time of Paul have carried over to current times. It is interesting that most men in current times wear their hair shorter than women. Trends come and go. The 1960’s had many men with longer hair and even today, the fashion has come back a little with men having longer hair.

The thing we have to keep in mind is that people within a society expect a certain amount of respect. A person working for a company who interacts with customers may feel that some customers may be offended by a man with long hair therefore, they have set up rules for employees and length of hair.

We may not agree with many customs and traditions but it’s important to show respect to others and understand if it’s important to them, it’s important to us. It just makes good common sense. We are not independent from each other but are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Lord this day, we are grateful that You keep things simple for us. The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never lets us down.  Help us today to understand that You are the Way and with You by our side and people around us to support us, amazing things will happen. Amen.

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