He Is In Our Midst so Persist

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Mark Shields

There are days we may be tired, confused, or kind of down but if we keep going and make some progress for that day, we can wake up the next day with some momentum that eventually gets us back up to full speed. This day with God can be amazing because of our faith in the possibilities He gives.

Persistence like a stream of water eventually cuts into a rock and if we remain persistent at focusing on the possibilities God gives, we can cut into and go through any obstacle in our way.

With God, we have something amazing and there is no need to add anything extra; just highlight the amazing and keep it simple. That’s what I like about this song: Press On – Building 429


So you must be brave. Don’t give up! God will honor you for obeying him. – 2 Chronicles 15:7

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Dawn Is the Time to Press On

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Mark Shields

Like their reception at Antioch, the reception of Paul and Barnabas at Iconium as described in Acts 14:1-7  was positive at first. As usual, they went into a Jewish synagogue to speak and great numbers of Jews and Greeks believed (v. 1).  Some of the Jews refused to believe and they kept things stirred up.

Paul and Barnabas spent a considerable amount of time at Iconium as God enabled them to perform signs and wonders (v. 3).  The city was split between those who believed and those who did not and among the non-believers a plot was developed. They began to mistreat Paul and Barnabas to the point of threatening to cause harm so Paul and Barnabas set out to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe (v. 6).

When faced with opposition, continue to stay positive because God will equip for the task. When God raises us up, we can expect those against us to try and bring us down but like Paul and Barnabas, we must persist even when we feel like giving up.

Many were for Paul and Barnabas but many were against them. Those against them even plotted to stone them. It takes courage to make a stand for the Lord and even in today’s world, people can try to destroy our future but kneeling in prayer is what gives us strength.

When we stand in faith and trust, we should expect miracles. Father God, we come to You in prayer today. The forces of evil tried to bring down Paul and Barnabas but with courage they persisted. Help us today to persist in standing strong for You. We pray today for Your strength, for Your protection, and for our trust in You for a brighter future. In Jesus name. Amen.

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Faith-Filled Prayer

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Mark Shields

Lift up your weekend activities in prayer my friends! Prayer is our greatest power because we are speaking to the ONE who already has the answer.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Use the power of prayer
so you can be at your best
providing helpful advice
that leads to great success.

For all that have faith
will go for great things
as though they are lifted
up on eagles wings.

Worry will only hinder
but faith will make great
as answers are received
at a very high rate.

Like the steady winds
that continue to blow
are faith-filled prayers
that continue to flow.

So that needs are met,
people are given care,
and the issues of life
are not beyond repair.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 06-10-2016
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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

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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.

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