The Week Ahead

Posted on January 28, 2018 by Mark Shields

This week, we will finish the study of the book of Romans and share more thoughts.

Below are some questions for reflection. 

Romans 16:1-16
* How does Paul show personal concern for the Romans? What is the place of letters and greetings in your life? What is your relation to the church in the world?

Romans 16:17-27
* Why does Paul warn against certain types of people? In what ways can you be wise and guileless today? How is strength related to the gospel? How is God’s wisdom, purpose, and mystery related?

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

Victory starts by having a plan. By accepting God’s plan for us, all we need to do is follow and believe He will provide the power. He will give the upper hand to make what seems impossible possible.

*Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
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Flourish with Purpose

Posted on January 27, 2018 by Mark Shields

This poem was written to inspire towards realizing our God given purpose. A lot of times the things we think look good end up not being so good. The things we don’t think will be good end up being what’s really good and useful. If the things of God are what we cherish, then we have all we need.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

In the journey of life,
Unfortunately
Good doesn’t happen
Magically
But is a result
Of a request
And commitment
To doing our best.

A lot of times
The things we sought
Turn out not as good
As we first thought.
And things we didn’t
Think would be useful
End up being what’s
Really good and crucial.

To get all we
Need to flourish,
The things of God
Are what we should cherish.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 01-25-2018


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More Blessed to Give than to Receive

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Mark Shields

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ – Acts 20:35

Generosity is the best way to find joy and meaning. Paul gave his time to proclaim the gospel of Christ. Jesus gave everything; even His life. Receive inspiration from today’s song When Love Sees You by Mac Powell.

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In Giving We Receive the Greatest Gift

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Mark Shields

Paul’s assessment of the virtues of the Roman Christians in Romans 15:14-33 is that they are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and competent to instruct one another (v. 14). Paul pictures his relationship with the Roman Christians as being an advocate for them, a coworker, and team member for proclaiming the gospel of Christ. He is proud of their work together for the Lord.

There are ways that Christ acts through the apostle Paul by inspiring to use his gifts to spread the gospel. Paul carried out the mission giving credit to God for grace and the Holy Spirit for power. Paul gave his time to proclaiming the gospel of Christ and the people of Macedonia and Achaia made a contribution to the poor. 

It is in giving that we receive the greatest gift. The God of peace in turn gives us peace when we joyfully give to the needs of others. When we follow through with giving, our generosity feeds the soul one on one and person to person.

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This day with You God, we take in today’s passage to understand more about generosity. Giving our time and resources may require some sacrifice on our part but the benefits out way the cost. We feel better knowing that the world is a better place because of our giving. Our generosity also demonstrates our love for You Lord. When we give, we take ownership into Your great work. Just as with Paul, may Christ work through our generosity today!  Amen 🙂

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The Passion on the Inside Forms Something Valuable on the Outside

Posted on January 24, 2018 by Mark Shields

His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. – Jeremiah 20:9

We face difficulties and tensions in life but that’s when the Holy Spirit fills us up on the inside so we can handle the pressure. God can provide a passion inside like a burning fire to get us going and do amazing things for His glory. As explained in the post “Power to Build an Amazing Day”, scriptures encourage, difficulties teach us endurance, and hope overflows.

God can take these pressures we face and turn them into something amazing. Diamonds are formed from small dust like minerals that are exposed to high temperature and pressure at depths of over 100 miles below the Earth’s surface. This occurs over a long period of time. In a similar way that God’s Creation forms a very valuable diamond out of dust, He can also forms diamonds out of us.

Receive inspiration from today’s song Diamonds by Hawk Nelson and get started on building an amazing day.

🙂

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