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Plan that Unifies

Posted on June 23, 2016 by Mark Shields

God gives us insight into how to play our part in a bright future and gives us plans in order to make an impact. In the post The Written Plan, some thoughts were shared about a letter written to handle some growing pains of the early church. The devil was trying to disrupt their unity but this letter declared their plan for unity.

God has given us a plan that unifies all believers. At this link is “God’s Plan for Us” in a word document that can be read, downloaded and signed by anyone that would like to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Today’s video Born Again by Newsboys is about this decision for Christ that simplifies and unifies so we are all on the path to a brighter future. This day with God will be amazing because of who God is and who you are; an important name in history – one of His children.

“…let us know His secret purpose. This was what God wanted, and He planned to do it through Christ. His goal was to carry out His plan, when the right time came, that all things in heaven and on earth would be joined together in Christ as the head. – Ephesians 1:9-11

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Posted in Devotionals | Tagged Christ, Church, Communication, Future, Holy Spirit, Plan, Prayer, Purpose, Unification | Leave a comment

The Written Plan

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Mark Shields

The church leaders came to a decision on the disagreements about circumcision, the other meaningless rituals, legalisms, and ceremonies that burdened the believers. In Acts 15:22-35, we see a letter written explaining how they had consulted with each other, prayed, and received direction from the Holy Spirit. They implemented the decision by communicating both in writing and by word of mouth.

The Devil tries to disrupt unity but there are ways to build up unity among believers. If you have a plan, you have a better shot at getting things done. Things seem to fall in place and you get a lot more done than you thought you could. God has given us a plan through His Son as shared at this link.

Lord, we are thankful for Your plan because it has simplified what is required from our own actions. Our part is not as difficult anymore because of our Redeemer. As laid out in today’s passage, the plan for salvation has been simplified and Christ has unified so we can overcome the disruptions the enemy tries to throw our way. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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Simplifying and Unifying

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Mark Shields

The early church grew fast but there were some growing pains. They struggled with whom should be accepted. Was a person accepted by God through good works or by grace? They were trapped by the meaningless rituals, legalisms, and ceremonies that burdens believers and this provoked disunity.

The lesson is that we need not get wrapped up in the meaningless but instead get wrapped up in the ONE essential; acceptance of Jesus as Savior. We can overcome the enemy by simplifying and unifying and Jesus does both for us. Enjoy today’s inspiring video: Empty Me – Jeremy Camp.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God be with us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals | Tagged Church, Communication, Faith, Grace, Holy Spirit, Leadership, Savior | 1 Comment

The Law or Grace

Posted on June 20, 2016 by Mark Shields

Reading in Acts 15:1-21, the issue that occasions this conference is the custom taught by Moses; that to be saved, all gentiles must be circumcised. There was disagreement in who God intended the church to be for and what came first; the law or grace.

In handling controversies among believers, we should follow what Paul and Barnabas did. They spent time communicating the facts. In this case, Paul explained how the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit and that God did not discriminated between the Gentiles and the Apostles but purified their hearts by faith (v. 9).

We should also appeal to the Word to resolve controversies and to be good leaders. In today’s passage, James was a good leader of the Jerusalem church. He was the brother of Jesus and an outstanding man. He quoted the Word from Amos 9:11-12 and said this agreed with the testimony given by Peter, Paul, and Barnabas.

Lord, today we pray to be emptied before being filled. Empty out pride and selfishness and fill in the Holy Spirit. Help us to not get trapped by meaningless rituals, legalisms, and ceremonies that only burden us. Help us to be wrapped up in the ONE essential; acceptance of Christ as Savior. Help us to overcome the enemy by simplifying and unifying. Amen.

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