The Champion

Posted on February 5, 2017 by Mark Shields

This Super Bowl Sunday, think about the Champion in you.

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00255379Sports is so popular
Because given are examples
Of a strong will to win
And how challenges are handled.
For it is in having a passion
That we see the main source
That leads champions
With this amazing force.
Great players just win!
They have a need to win.
They may take it on the chin
But continue to grin
And find a way
For their team to win.
Take inspiration from them
And if some people say
You are not good enough,
Believe it will be okay.
The passion in you
Will be unstoppable
And no word will be
Uttered like impossible.
Accepted in your heart will be
No such reality as failure
Because you have favor my friend
Received by accepting The Savior!

Poem by Mark Shields – © 02-05-2017

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Change the World for the Better

Posted on February 3, 2017 by Mark Shields

I just finished a study of 1 Thessalonians which is a letter written by Paul in response from a report sent by Timothy as they teach and encourage the new Christians at Thessalonica. This poem summarized some of the main thoughts during the study.

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Make the Impossible Possible
Using faith to initiate
And the love of God
To always allocate.

Go the extra mile
With a steadfastness
Which hope provides
As you enter His vastness.

Share with each other
In a courteous, gentle way
Like a friend encourages
With praises for this day.

Strengthen and encourage
Being always thoughtful
In ways to help each other
To spread the Gospel.

Have faith in God’s instructions
To live an amazing life
By winning the unseen
Battles and daily strife.

Doing good deeds
Daily like clockwork
Inspired by eternal hope
From His handiwork.

For Jesus is the bridge
To the eternal thereof
So encourage each other
With brotherly love.

Be alert and prepared
To receive the Spirit above
Using God’s tools
Of faith hope, and love.

Pray continually;
Receive the fullness;
Help the weak;
Protect all goodness.

Being patient and kind
As you share with everyone
And…

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Focus on what is Truly Important in Life

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Mark Shields

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2

Most of the time, we may go through life always in a hurry rather than slowing down and taking in spiritual thoughts. Instead, we can take some time to think about how amazing God has made this world. We can take in a brilliant sunrise or beautiful sunset and bathe in the warmth of His sunshine.

In the post “Constant Attitude of Watching and Waiting”, some specific directions were given by Paul to constantly be alert, self-controlled, and prepared for the Lord’s return.

As you begin this day, here is a video to inspire in you this need to focus on what is truly important in life: Christ in Me – Jeremy Camp.


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Constant Attitude of Watching and Waiting

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Mark Shields

As explained in 1 Thessalonians 5, Christ’s return will come at a time when the world may not expect because of not being alert to spiritual things. The world may be unprepared and the Lord’s return will be like a thief in the night (v. 2).

Those of the Light will be alert, self-controlled, and prepared; putting on faith and love as a breastplate (v. 8). No one knows when the “Day of the Lord” will be so we should live in a constant attitude of watching and waiting.

While watching and waiting, Paul gave the following specific directions to how we should live in the meantime:

  • Encourage one another and building each other up
  • Live in peace with each other
  • Help the weak
  • Be patient with everyone
  • Always strive to do what is good for each other
  • Rejoice always
  • Pray continually
  • Give thanks in all circumstances
  • Hold on to what is good
  • Reject every kind of evil
  • Work at keeping your whole spirit, soul, and body virtuous
  • Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.

Lord, this day with You, help us to follow the instructions in this passage; always being alert, self-controlled, and prepared. We pray continually as we strive to have faith, hope, and love; doing what is good in Your eyes and encourage one another to do the same. Amen.

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Encouraging and Learning

Posted on January 31, 2017 by Mark Shields

Therefore encourage one another with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:18

This day with God, let us take every opportunity to encourage and learn from each other so we are ready for the challenges of tomorrow. Go to the ONE who created it all and passionately stir each other up to boldly step ahead.

For inspiration today, here’s a video to begin the day: Build Your Kingdom Here – Rend Collective Experiment.


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