Soaring

Posted on August 4, 2017 by Mark Shields

We can display oneness with other believers in Christ today and soar as on eagles’ wings. Be inspired and build up the house of the Lord today. Take inspiration from the poem below.

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Faith in Jesus Christ
Sets all of us free
In order to be
All that we can be.

Faith in Jesus Christ
As in a rain shower,
Washes away the sin;
Gives a great power.

The Spirit indwells
With total abundance
Giving a sense
Of utter oneness.

Praying for each other
As two are better
Than one in all
Challenging endeavors.

At home or at work,
No job is boring
So on eagles’ wings
We keep on soaring.

By Mark Shields – © 08-03-2017
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Hold Onto the Promise

Posted on August 3, 2017 by Mark Shields

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. – Romans 8:25

God’s actions seemed delayed when Moses went to the top of the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments and the people got impatient. As pointed out in the post “Hope Produces Patience” our response when the answers to our prayers seem delayed should be to hold on to the promise just like in this song: Hope in Front of Me by Danny Gokey.
 

 

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Hope Produces Patience

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Mark Shields

Moses went up to the Mountain to get the Ten Commandments and was gone for such a long time that the people became impatient as explained in Exodus 32:1-14. They looked to Aaron for leadership but he guided the people astray by suggesting they bring their gold earrings so they could make a golden idol cast in the shape of a calf. God was furious and wanted to destroy them but Moses pleads with God to give them a second chance.

We are not that much different today, we get impatient with God as we desire earthly objects for rewards. We create idols to worship like nicer cars and bigger houses rather than worshiping the ONE who created all things. The ONE who delivers us from the bondage of sin. The ONE who wants to be with us and provide eternal joy.

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This day with You Lord, some of our dreams may look to have no chance. Help us to maintain our faith even when some of our answers may seem delayed. We ask that our hope will produce patience. Even in hard times, we can have joy if we have faith that tomorrow will be a better day. Lift us up today; remembering what Jesus went through on the cross. We are assured of brighter days ahead because of the gift of Your Son and this thought inspires us to step ahead so we never give up hope. Amen.

 

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Reflecting His Creative Activity

Posted on August 1, 2017 by Mark Shields

For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. – Exodus 20:11

In the post “Filled With His Spirit”, God provided workers who could reflect His creative activity in order to build and furnish the tent of meeting; a place for His people to meet with Him.

Worship time is so important because it is a time to meet with God and be filled with His Spirit. It also is a day of rest so we can physically be prepared for the challenges faced in the week ahead.

Several years ago, I began to think a lot about how God could use me in a ministry at our church. One area that caught my attention was using my technology background to help with the tech team during our worship service.

I also wanted to use technology in getting God’s Word out with this on-line Bible study guide. We live in a very busy world with busy schedules so my hope was to use this tool to help with daily Bible reading and study.

As you listen to this video: In Me by Casting Crowns take some time to identify your strengths and how you can reflect God’s creative activity to a world in need.
 

 

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Filled With His Spirit

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Mark Shields

In Exodus 31, we are told that God selected Bezalel of the tribe of Judah along with a helper named Oholiab of the tribe of Dan to do the artistic designs in furnishing the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law, with the atonement cover on it, and the other furnishings of the tent (v. 7).

God filled Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled works with His Spirit; giving them wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and specific skills to fulfill their duties in making the artistic items made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, wood, and cloth. They would make the pure gold lampstand, the altar of incense, and the altar of burnt offering. They would also make the woven garments for the priests.

Also in this passage is emphasized the significance of the Sabbath. Just as God created the world in six days, we should labor for six days but have the seventh day to remember what God has done. The Sabbath allows us time to meet with God and be filled with His Spirit. It also is a day of rest so we can physically be prepared for the challenges faced in the week ahead.

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This day with You Lord will be amazing as we go to You in prayer which is our greatest power. We are now speaking to the ONE who already has instructions to building our day just as You gave instructions in building the tent of meeting. Help us to each discover our unique skill to bless others. Amen

 

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