Take Courage

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Mark Shields

In Acts 23:1-11 we get the account of Paul being questioned before the Sanhedrin. The high priest named Ananias ordered that Paul be struck on the mouth and Paul came back with an insult towards the high priest.

It was at this point that Paul came up with a strategy to highlight their issues with each other rather than the issues they had with him. The Sanhedrin consisted of both Sadducees and Pharisees. The Sadducees did not believe in resurrection, angels, or spirits. The Pharisees believed in all of these.

So an argument broke out between the teachers of the law and it became so violent that Paul was taken back into the prison. The next night, the Lord came to Paul and told him to take courage. He told Paul to keep up the good work and that He would continue to be with Paul as he testified in Rome.

Reading today’s passage, there are some attributes about Paul that we can admire. He had the courage to stand up for God as he gave his testimony. There are times when we need to do the same and stop trying to give in to those who want us to follow their misguided ways.

Many times, being the nice guy can get us in trouble. If there is a problem and some want to guide us in the wrong direction, we need to make a stand and set the record straight. It’s important to show respect like Paul did but it’s also important to speak up and step ahead in the Way that God has laid out in the Bible.

Lord, in Your Word today, we read about Paul and the encouragement you gave him. This day, we may face some trials … maybe not as bad as what Paul went through but in whatever we go through, this day can be amazing because we can feel protected and cradled as your cherished child. We are encouraged today because we are confident that You are with us to help take on each and every challenge we face. In Jesus name. Amen.

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The Week Ahead – Acts 23

Posted on August 21, 2016 by Mark Shields

This week, we will be sharing some thoughts from the study of Acts 23.

Below are some questions for reflection 

Acts 23:1-11
How do the Pharisees and Sadducees differ theologically? What special encouragement does God give Paul at this time? In what times of need have you been encouraged by God?

Acts 23:12-35
How does God rescue Paul from the guerrilla attempt to kill him? What does this incident reveal about God’s work in the world? What is the basis of your confidence amidst turmoil and unrest?

Paul faced many enemies and in current times, we face enemies too. Here is a video to inspire the courage to take on these enemies: Voice of Truth – Casting Crowns.

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Devotion Puts Excellence in Motion

Posted on August 20, 2016 by Mark Shields

This weekend, believe that you can do anything with God who gives you strength.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Mark-Weinberger-Power-Of-Purpose-Article_Hero_770x433 (1)Continue to go forward
and always have devotion
to the Lord’s steady Way
that puts excellence in motion.

If life gets discouraging,
keep looking forward
and receive inspiration
daily from His Word.

Make a big impression
by doing what one should
and taking the right actions
toward all that is good.

Make a positive impact;
give a lift to society;
meet many basic needs;
help to remove anxiety.

Share about the Lord’s Way;
That gives one the ultimate need.
For His Word offers great lessons
in how best one should proceed.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 08-18-2016
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He is Faithful and Just

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Mark Shields

d73a8-golden-raysIf we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word is not in us. – 1 John 1:9

As noted in the post “The Whole Truth Sets You Free”, Paul was set free by the Roman Commander once he found out he was a Roman citizen. A Roman citizen had certain protections under their laws.

Being a citizen is important.  Today, some don’t take citizenship all that serious. But it always has been a big deal. Back in the time of Paul, families would pay what is equivalent to $50,000 for Roman citizenship.

As in Paul’s case, it’s important to tell the whole truth to others even when they may be unpopular. If the truth is what people need to hear, tell it and believe God will come to your defense. He’s paid a big price in order for you to receive his guidance, protection, and eternal life with Him.

Remember, the Lord is faithful and just. Here is a song to inspire you this day: Great is Thy Faithfulness – Jordan Smith – The Voice 2015. 


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The Whole Truth Sets You Free

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Mark Shields

Paul had just been beaten and almost killed by those against his message and in Acts 22, he gets a chance to talk before being hauled off by the Roman soldiers. To defend himself, Paul spoke to the crowd in Aramaic so they could understand and to show that he was a devout Jew with a respect for Jewish laws.

From this passage, we learn that relating the whole truth to others about your experiences is a very effective way to share the Gospel. Paul gives his personal testimony; that he once was a man that persecuted Christians but had been changed after the experience along the road to Damascus.

Unfortunately, the crowd’s attitude was one of bias against Gentiles. Paul knew this would probably be the case but he shared the whole truth with them even though it would have been safer to leave out some of the more unpopular truths.

After Paul makes the statement in verse 21, the people in the crowd raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!” (v. 22). The commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks to be flogged and interrogated.

It was then that Paul mentioned that he was a Roman citizen. No one in the day of Paul had Roman citizenship except the elite who paid large sums of money to become a citizen; some say around $50,000 in today’s money. The soldiers immediately withdrew as they were alarmed that Paul was a Roman citizen, in chains.

In a similar way, we can alarm our enemy by pronouncing our citizenship within the kingdom of God. Trying to defend ourselves rarely ever helps but it is when the Lord defends us that we truly receive the help we need. He has paid a large price for our right to be free from sin. Those who believe what Christ has done for them, receive this gift of citizenship into eternal life and the benefits of His Spirit living in their heart.

This day with You Lord, we have read Your Word and are inspired. With You, there is a freedom. A freedom that helps us live, give, and love. A freedom that will speak and teach; laying out a clear Way to follow. We are not the only ones who receive this guidance since we can tell others about Your Way. They can follow too. Lord, be with us today to feel this freedom only You can give and continue to provide the power in us to follow Your Way. Amen.

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