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 

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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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Connection

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Mark Shields

This day with God, get connected to and internalize the guiding principles taught by Christ. http://wp.me/p1cY3A-rN

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Faith like a big antenna
pointed in the right direction
so messages are transmitted
with such a good connection.

Hopeful thoughts
pointed to the big Guy
so believers are prepared,
confident, and high.

For the Kingdom of God
is deep within the soul;
receiving great favor
and feeling whole.

Expecting a bright future
because in Him is trust.
Seeing a picture of victory
And helping others a must.

Working with each other;
trusting Him for peace
and receiving abundant joy
that always seems to increase.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 06-16-2016

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There Is No Debate That He Is Great

Posted on June 16, 2016 by Mark Shields

In the post “Worship the ONE True God”, written about was that the people of Lystra believed in many gods. Barnabas and Paul wanted the people to put all their attention on the ONE true God who provides for all our needs and lives in our heart.

God’s principles never change. A daily devotional time using “This Day with God” internalizes His guiding principles so they become an instrument which pushes us to focus on Him in every activity throughout our day.

Even the activity of watching TV can help us focus more on Him. A few years ago on the TV show “The Voice”, Holly Tucker sang a song that puts our focus on how great our God is.

Holly is from the community in which I live and I’ve had the opportunity to hear her in local concerts. Enjoy today’s inspiring video How Great Thou Art – Holly Tucker.


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

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Worship the ONE True God

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Mark Shields

Reading in Acts 14:8-28, the people of Lystra believed in many gods. Upon arriving in the city, Paul healed a crippled man and the people believed the gods had come down to earth in human form. They called Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes but Paul tried to explain to them about the ONE true God who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them (v. 15).

In our world today, society makes gods out of leaders, sports heroes, entertainers, the rich, or famous. Idol worship is rampant as people worship expensive cars, houses, and other items that take our attention away from God. We are told that God’s not real many choose to worship things of this world rather than the ONE true God.

Paul faced hardship for sharing the Good News. He was stoned and dragged outside the city (v. 19).  The disciples prayed for Paul and the next day, he was ready to continue the mission. This time, Paul decided to follow-up on the message by returning to the cities they had been to before.

Those that do not fit into this world thinking sometimes face hardship just like Paul did. Life sometimes hits us right in the face hard. It’s kind of like those games we played as a kid like “Dodge Ball”. You have to be on your toes and hopefully do not get smashed in the face. Like Paul, we must stay alert, follow-up, and find ways to make our calling even better than before.

As we go through each day with You Lord; taking walks, feeling the fresh breeze hitting our face, and hearing the sounds of night that sooths our soul, help us to understand that the world is telling a lie and You are telling us what is accurate. That You are the ONE who created the breeze, the unique music of the night, and the ONE who tells us the truth. Amen.

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