Guided By Truth

Posted on November 28, 2017 by Mark Shields

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Like Paul as written about in the post “Truthfulness with Facts”, be concerned about the truthfulness of what you say. Talking about something unseen like faith has its challenges but with Christ we have a model to explain the intangible qualities of our faith with integrity.

The things of this world are built like a house of cards. They may work for a while but suddenly fall apart. On the other hand, the things of God are built on the foundation of truth. We can rest assured that the promises God has given in the Bible will be fulfilled.

By accepting Christ as the Son of God, we have the distinct benefit of a promise. Receive inspiration from the song Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United and set out today fulfilling your purpose and your destiny with enthusiasm. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Integrity | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Truthfulness with Facts

Posted on November 27, 2017 by Mark Shields

Scripture Reading: Romans 9:1-24

Paul is concerned about the truthfulness of what he says and with the help of the Holy Spirit, he establishes his truthfulness through facts. The fact that God keeps His promises. The fact that Jesus’ life fulfills the predictions and prophecies about the Messiah.

What is stated in the Bible has come about. Even in the areas of science dealing with the stars, with the study of the ocean, and how the earth is shaped. These areas of learning were not known by humanity at the time the words of this passage were written but they have since been proven to be true.

Like Paul, we should be concerned about the truthfulness of what we say. He used historical facts to explain why God does what He does. Examples included the destiny of Abraham’s offspring, the insight given to Moses, and allowing others to fulfill great purposes as recorded in the Bible. Talking about something unseen like faith has its challenges but with Christ, we have a model to explain the intangible qualities of our faith with integrity.

We exist for God’s purposes. By accepting Christ as the Son of God, we have the distinct benefit of a promise. The assurance of being called a child of God and an heir of the kingdom. This day, let us respond to the Father by fulfilling our purpose and our destiny with enthusiasm.

This day with You Lord, help us to be fully engaged in the purpose You have in our life. We pray for the opportunity to share with others about Christ. The Good News is that there is something better ahead and the purpose You have for us keeps us going Your Way. We know that You have designed our life for eternity and our purpose is simply to follow Your will and please You. With the principles You give us in the Bible like integrity, courage, and purpose we can be a transformer rather than a conformer. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

 

Posted in Bible Study, Integrity | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Final Victory

Posted on November 25, 2017 by Mark Shields

Thanksgiving is a time for family, lots of food, and football games. Our favorite teams don’t always win but being a part of God’s team always brings the final victory.

All winning teams have a game plan. Let us be thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this Thanksgiving weekend with Him amazing!

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Thanksgiving is a time
For family and food
And an attitude
Of gratitude.

Football games are viewed
And our favorite teams
May not always win
But one team does it seems.

So be grateful
For this mystery
And how our Lord
Brings final victory.

Free from the demands
Of the written code
Because of the Cross
A new Way is showed.

Accepting this new Way
That God has provided
Doing the amazing
By being united.

By Mark Shields – © 11-23-2017
Image Source

View original post

Posted in Poems | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of Romans 9-11

Posted on November 24, 2017 by Mark Shields

This day with God, know that you have a role to play because you have will and will is more important than skill. Choose to be on God’s side for He is always right. All winning teams have a game plan and the reading plan below will be used as I share over the next few weeks. Let us be thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing!

Image Source

 

Romans 9:1-24
In what ways does Paul establish his truthfulness? What concern do you have for the truthfulness of what you say? Does God exist for our purposes or vice versa?

Romans 9:25-33
What is the relation of human responsibility to the sovereignty of God? What is the ironical situation concerning Jews and Gentiles? Are you yielding to God’s will?

Romans 10:1-10
What is Paul’s action here? Where is true righteousness found? What must a person do to be saved?

Romans 10:11-17
What is the reason God justifies Jews and Gentiles in the same way (See 3:29-30)? What is involved in to call upon the name of the Lord? What is the content of what must be preached?

Romans 10:18-21
How does Paul show that hearing does not produce faith? How are faith and hearing related in your life? To what extent is the gospel heard (See 1:19-20, Ps. 19)?

Romans 11:1-6
What is God’s action on part of the remnant (See Ro 9:27)? Characterize God’s Grace and how is it antithetical to works (See Ro 9:11)? What is your response to our God of Grace?

Romans 11:7-16
Who are the first fruits and root (See v. 28)? Is God’s rejection of Israel total? Final? What qualities of God are revealed here?

Romans 11:17-24
Who are the root and natural branches? What has happened to some of the branches? Why? What is your attitude toward your part in God’s plan? Why?

Romans 11:25-36
What is God’s mystery concerning Jews and Gentiles? In what ways will you share your knowledge of God’s mystery with others today? In the future?

 

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print. 
“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.
“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.
Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.
“Google Images.” Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=8IipWNPmOoPBmwHIpZ2ACQ&ved=0EKouCBcoAQ>.
“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.
Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Questions for Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Thanksgiving

Posted on November 23, 2017 by Mark Shields

Thanksgiving is a time for family, lots of food, and football games. Our favorite teams don’t always win but being a part of God’s team always brings the final victory.

All winning teams have a game plan. Let us be thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this Thanksgiving Day with Him amazing!

Image Source

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment