Renewed and Restored

Posted on December 25, 2025 by Mark Shields

Because of the birth,
Of baby Jesus,
Immanuel—
God is with us.

Creation rejoices,
Heaven and nature sings,
For what God has done,
For all He will bring.

There is something more,
Beyond what we can see,
Beyond what we imagine,
Beyond what is to be.

The star that was seen,
Led hearts to the King,
And we are joyful,
As the New Year rings.

We see with eyes of faith,
Praising the Lord,
Stepping ahead,
Renewed and restored.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-21-2024

Poem Inspired While Listening to Sermon of Wayne Williams – Renew Church Waco, 12-15-2024

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The Star That Leads to the King

Posted on December 24, 2025 by Mark Shields

Scripture: “We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” – Matthew 2:2

Reflection: The star guided the Magi to Jesus, the true King. Today, faith is our guiding star, leading us to Christ who fills our hearts with joy.

Prayer Prompt: Jesus, help me follow the light that leads to You, even when the path feels uncertain.

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Creation Rejoices

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Mark Shields

Scripture: “The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” – Isaiah 55:12

Reflection: Redemption is not just for humanity; all creation rejoices in God’s work. The mountains sing, the trees clap, the stars shine—all pointing to the joy of salvation.

Prayer Prompt: Father, let my life join creation’s song of praise to You.

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Signals of Transcendence

Posted on December 22, 2025 by Mark Shields

Scripture: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalm 19:1

Reflection: We all long for signs that point beyond ourselves—signals of transcendence. Creation whispers that God is near, inviting us to lift our eyes from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Prayer Prompt: Lord, open my eyes to see Your signals of transcendence in everyday life.

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Good News Reporter

Posted on December 21, 2025 by Mark Shields

Imagine stepping into the role of a Good News Reporter, not for the Sunday morning paper but for the eternal story unfolding in our lives. Just as a journalist captures the highlights of a press conference or a breaking event, you can capture the heart of a sermon—reporting on the signals of hope, redemption, and joy that point us to Christ. Your blog becomes your front-page headline, announcing what God is doing, quoting the “sound bites” of Scripture, and narrating the way creation itself joins in praise. By writing as a reporter of the Good News, you invite readers to see the sermon not as a distant message but as breaking news that demands attention, inspires faith, and calls us to action.

Over the next week, I will demonstrate this idea of being a Good News Reporter.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

YouTube – Link – Sermon of Wayne Williams – Renew Church Waco, 12-15-2024

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