Pull US Through

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Mark Shields

Paul was accused of persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law as recorded in Acts 18:12-28. Back in the day of Paul, there was a tug of war between Judaism and Christianity. Some wanted to make Judaism the only recognized religion of the Roman Empire and to outlaw Christianity.

Isn’t it amazing how the Islamic Extremist desire to do the same today! The framers of the U. S. constitution provided for “Freedom of Religion”. Some see the threat of being taken over by other cultures and religions but some do not. Some see the consequences of an erosion of the constitution and the subsequent erosion of our freedoms but some do not. That’s the main reason there is such a divide in our nation today. Maybe the real issue is that some are willing (Democrats and Republicans) to accept this erosion as long as they maintain power even to the detriment of the citizenry.

To stop the cultural and religious erosion, find out what it is that God can do through you. Just like Apollos who was a very effective speaker but lacked knowledge in the ways of God and the Scriptures, we can use our skills for His glory as we gain knowledge in His ways. People around us can enlarge our understanding and help us fill the gaps.

For those who already have a strong knowledge of God’s ways, be understanding and patient just like Aquila and Priscilla where with Apollos. Recognize talents in others and gently fill the gaps to their knowledge of the truth. By combining tact with truth, new servants will be equipped to carry out God’s work.

Lord, this day, we may not know all we need to know but You can use us for Your glory. We come to You in prayer today and know our greatest strength is You. We may have a few talents that You can use but our greatest strength or power is prayer because we are speaking to the ONE who already has every answer. We are confident that if we do not know everything, You will provide those who can fill the gaps and for this, we are thankful. In Jesus name. Amen.

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One Small Step Changes Everything

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Mark Shields

I enjoy writing inspirational poems and this one is inspired by a sermon at my church. This weekend, share a thought from one of the great sermons you attend in your community or on a podcast.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

An encounter with our God
is an opportunity for new directions
as we step ahead fearlessly
without any objections.

Commitment helps us all
to step ahead on this trail
and Baptism is a symbol
of this commitment in detail.

You don’t have to understand fully
but just step ahead with trust
for God will provide the help
to see what may need to adjust.

Those who God uses the most,
look forward without any dread
so make the right choice
towards the amazing path ahead.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 07-14-2016
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This poem was inspired by the the worship service last week at the church I attend. To see the sermon live each Sunday morning, just click this link: Worship Service on Facebook. Then look for the latest post where it says “Live Sermon”.

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His Assistance Helps Us Go the Distance

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Mark Shields

When Paul faced opposition in Corinth as shared in the post “The Day May Be Demanding but God is there to Keep You Standing”, he was able to stand his ground. He received help from his friends and God gave him assurance of safety in a vision. In this vision, God spoke to Paul telling him to keep on teaching the Gospel and not be afraid because he would be protected.

We can be assured today that friends will stand with us. We may face some opposition but like anything that takes off, there is the need for some resistance. A kite flies high because of the resistance of the wind. An airplane couldn’t take off without the resistance of the air on the wings which creates a lift.

This day with God, know that He will always be by your side to encourage and He will provide others to help. His army of angels will provide for your needs to overcome fear and go the distance. Receive inspiration from today’s video: Whom Shall I Fear – Chris Tomlin.


Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9 

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The Day May be Demanding but God is there to Keep You Standing

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Mark Shields

On Paul’s missionary journey, God led Paul in regards to housing, activities, and the length of his stay as recorded in Acts 18:1-11. He led Paul to Corinth and Paul stayed with a man named Aquila who like Paul, was a tentmaker.

While in Corinth, Paul tried to persuade Jews and Greeks that Jesus was the Messiah as he preached every Sabbath in the synagogue but many still would not believe so he left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus.

Paul received a gift of money and help from his friends at Philippi (2 Cor. 11:8) which gave him the opportunity to devote himself entirely to his missionary work. Silas and Timothy also came to join him from Macedonia and this also encouraged him. Then recorded in bold print below is the vision received by Paul:

Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city. – Acts 18:9-10 

Paul may have been ready to leave Corinth because of the situation. Some were turning towards Christ but idol worship was so ingrained in the fabric of that society. The vision above encouraged Paul and he ending up staying in Corinth for eighteen months.

Lord this day with You, we seek Your guidance in our homes; what to do, our activities today, and how we use our time. This day with You will be amazing because You are like a mountain; standing rock solid over time and protecting us in our time of need. We can take courage, for You are always by our side. Amen.

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It Only Takes a Spark

Posted on July 12, 2016 by Mark Shields

As shared in the post “Sparking Curiosity”, Paul began his missionary work in Athens by just meeting people and telling about Christ. This new teaching of Paul in Athens is still available to us today.

Many are looking for answers to the challenges of this world. They’ve looked at the various philosophies in how best to take on these challenges and none seem to work. But there is one plan that has proven to work and continues to work.

Here’s a video to provide that spark today: Build Your Kingdom Here – Rend Collective Experiment.


I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20 

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