Amplify the Truth to Unify the Masses

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Mark Shields

As

we read in Acts 21:17-40, Paul arrives at Jerusalem. The conflict that still existed between Paul and the Jewish leaders was about salvation by grace alone or the requirement of keeping the Law of Moses. Many in the Jerusalem church wanted to force Christians to keep the petty religious rules.

Paul was willing to compromise and go through the Jewish ritual of purification by taking the Nazarite vow which consisted of shaving his head. He was willing to go through this in order to establish unity but it didn’t work out. One thing led to another and a mob gathered against Paul. If not for a Roman commander stepping in, Paul would have been beaten to death.

In the world in which we live today, we face to some issues that Paul faced. We can never please everyone. Some want to push society into directions we don’t need to go. They are very closed minded, impatient, and will not allow the other side the chance to speak their mind. If they finally allow the other side to speak, they don’t want to listen.

What we have to do is please the Lord by amplifying the Truth to unify the masses. Doing what the Bible teaches and not what secular thought says to do. To boldly step ahead and do what the Lord wants us to do even if many don’t accept it. At least the other side will gain respect because of our boldness.

Lord, this day can be amazing if we continue to do what Your Word tells us to do. Lord help us this day if we are tempted to judge. Remind us that everyone has tremendous value in Your eyes. Lord, we believe in Your Son, we are adaptable; allowing various attitudes and convictions yet never compromising principle. For it is our belief in Your Truth that unifies. Amen.

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Posted on August 14, 2016 by Mark Shields

The Week Ahead

This week, we will be sharing some thoughts from the study of Acts 21-22.

Below are some questions for reflection: 

Acts 21:17-40
What conflict still exists (See Acts 15:4-35)? Without compromising principle how do you accommodate yourself to the attitudes and convictions of other Christians? What means does God use to save Paul’s life?

Acts 22
What is the content and basis of Paul’s defense? What can you learn from this defense about giving a testimony? How does the crowd respond to Paul’s speech?

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

It all starts with receiving a plan from God through faithful, consistent, and powerful prayer. Here is a video/poem to inspire this day and throughout the week: This Day with God. 


Index of Devotionals

 

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List of Dreams

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Mark Shields

This upcoming weekend, make a list of your dreams. Use this poem to inspire.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

For the great mission ahead
definitely will be distinct.
Be inspired by the high jumper
who did not begin at seven feet
but starting at a much lower
height … maybe four feet
and worked their way up
to be an Olympic athlete.
A good first step it seems
would be to fill out a list of dreams;
a spreadsheet at this link;
to get one in sync.
For you deserve the best
so look forward to the reward
by deciding what to do next
with your life going forward.
Along with the Spirit’s prompting
and spending time in reflection,
be confident in your qualifications
and head in the right direction.
Many may have potential
but greatness began
when rising up to be more
by taking in God’s plan.

Here is the Link to a worksheet called List of Dreams. You are welcome to save this blank…

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Tough Times Bring Sure Signs

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Mark Shields

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Sometimes we get conflicting guidance just like I wrote about in the post “Sure Signs”. Getting advice from others can be good but knowing the will of God gives a clearer picture that others may not be able to see.

When it all comes down to it, daily prayer and Bible study are so important in knowing the will of God. It’s all about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. That is our highest priority and even if we go through tough times, God will give a sure sign that will keep us on the right track.

Take inspiration from today’s video: Heart of Worship – Matt Redman. 



Index of devotionals

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Sure Signs

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Mark Shields

Paul and his friends did not want him to go to Jerusalem since a prophet named Agabus explained in Acts 21:7-16 that the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem would hand Paul over to the Gentiles. Possible prison and hardships faced Paul however he knew that the Holy Spirit was leading him to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus had for him; the task of testifying to the Good News of God’s grace (See Acts 20:22-24).

Getting advice from others is good but sometimes this advice conflicts with the will of God. The thing to do is to pray, take in the Spirits’ directions for your life, and form a clear picture. This picture from God may be a vision that He gives only to you and others may not be able to see.

Four Steps to the “Following the Way” and having a great day:

  • Focus on task that God would have you to do today
  • Embrace the power of the Spirit giving you the ability to make what seems impossible possible
  • Make sure you are inspired and uplifted as you start each day
  • Ask God at the start of each day the top three to five things you need to get done

This day Lord, we might get conflicting directions from our friends. Help us to stay on track by coming to You daily and sorting out the situations we face. Lord, at times we want to take the easy way out to bypass unpleasantness but help us to know that the problems we go through in life are not stop signs; they are guidelines and it is during tough times that You provide sure signs of a brighter future. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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