Waiting Yet Anticipating

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Mark Shields

Patience is definitely a virtue. In the post “Desire to Hear More”, Paul and Barnabas shared the Good News; some desired to hear more but others were in no mood to listen and even took out their anger on the messengers.

It is still the same for us today and we should employ the same attitude that Paul and Barnabas did by continuing to be encouraged, simply shaking off the dust, and remain steady in offering the Good News to those ready to listen.

Today’s inspiring video shares this encouragement as we patiently wait on the Lord’s return: Even So Come – Kristian Stanill.


I wait on the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His Word I hope. – Psalm 37:4

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Desire To Hear More

Posted on June 8, 2016 by Mark Shields

The initial results of Paul’s witness in the synagogue at Antioch was very positive. In Acts 13:42-52, we are told that as Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people had a desire to hear more and invited them to speak further on the next Sabbath (v. 42). They were so inspired that many followed Paul and Barnabas after they were dismissed to talk more about this Good News that had been shared.

On the next Sabbath, almost the entire city gathered to hear more about the Word of the Lord (v. 44) and this made the Jewish leaders jealous. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas; taking legal action to expel them from the city. Paul and Barnabas were discouraged but shook the dust off their feet and went to the next town, which was Iconium (v. 51).

Many do not want to hear the Good News and it makes them angry when people share. There are many different reasons; maybe their religion seems inferior or maybe they feel that their way of life is threatened. Arguing with them does no good. They have set in their mind that their way of life is the way to go even though they have no proof whatsoever. On the other hand, the Word provides all the proof anyone would ever need.

The way to handle those who are incited to anger when the Good News is shared is to do exactly what Paul and Barnabas did. Do not be discouraged but simply shake off the dust and keep offering the Good News to those ready to listen.

This day with You Father, we pray for the desire to hear about and share with others Your Good News. What You give to us is a plan for life and it is a treasure. The more we lose ourselves in this plan, the more passion we will have and those around us will be inspired to take action too. In Jesus name. Amen.

Image Source

Posted in Bible Study | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

No Fear – He is Near

Posted on June 7, 2016 by Mark Shields

The post “Strength for the Journey” is about Paul sharing with the people that our God is an Awesome God. He is our strength and our greatest asset is not in being like everyone else but in being who we are; a precious child of God.

We are never alone because He goes before us, He is with us, and His Spirit lives in us. Because of these facts, we have unlimited potential because of His unlimited potential. It is up to us to realize how God can use us to spread the Good News.

Today’s inspirational video is about this help God gives to pull us through anything. He takes our burdens and puts them on His shoulders. There is no fear – He is near: Shoulders – For King and Country.


God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Strength | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Strength for the Journey

Posted on June 6, 2016 by Mark Shields

Paul and his companions set out for their first missionary journey from Paphos Cyprus to Perga and then to Pisidian Antioch. In Acts 13:13-41 we are told about Paul preaching at a synagogue. He reminded his listeners of all that God had done for them since leading them out of the land of Egypt. He went on to remind them about the Savior God sent who the rulers in Jerusalem had put to death on the Cross. On the third day, God raised Him from the tomb.

The main point of Paul’s sermon was that our strength is in God who helped Moses lead and who also raised Jesus from death on the cross. This strength and power of God is available to all who believe that Christ is Savior. The people in the synagogue accepted the Good News preached by Paul about this great power and freedom from sin we have.

The message we have for those around us today should have this same message of Good News. God is our strength and will pull us through anything. Sometimes we may feel like there is no way but with God there is a way and His way is the best way. Like with Paul who set out on the first Missionary Journey through dangerous territory, we can be confident that God will lift us up and pull us through.

This day with God, know that our help comes from the same ONE who helped Moses lead the people out of Egypt. The same ONE who raised Jesus to life after death on the cross. He thinks you are AWESOME so focus on what you can do with God’s help and not on what seems impossible. You are not alone and what seems to be impossible will become possible.

Lord, help us make the Word a part of who we are and what we do. Lift us up today on Your shoulders so we can see the big picture. You are our greatest power. Our greatest strength is the work You do deep down in our soul. We ask that we just be the person You made us to be so that those around us will pick up on how You work in our lives and desire the same for their lives. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Image Source

Posted in Bible Study, Strength | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Never Hurry

Posted on June 4, 2016 by Mark Shields

The Ninth message in the sermon series titled “Never-Never Land” was presented last weekend at the church I worship at. The title of the sermon was “Never Hurry”.

When Jesus was at the home of Martha and Mary as written in Luke 10, we learn that Martha focused on what was urgent but Mary put her attention on what was significant. She was not in a hurry because her focus was on something eternal; her relationship with Jesus.

To see the worship service live each Sunday morning, just click this link: Worship Service on Facebook. Then look for the latest post where it says “Live Sermon”. To watch a sermon anytime or place, type in “Live Sermon” in the “Search for posts on this Page” box on the upper left side.

Image Source

 

Posted in Sermon Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment