Concern for Others

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Mark Shields

As explained in Acts 11:19-30, the gospel spread after the persecution broke out when Stephen was stoned to death. As the followers of Jesus scattered, they spread the Good News (v. 21). So God has a role in setting up situations for the gospel message to spread and believers also have a role as they talk to others.

In reading this passage, it was noted how there was concern from the church at Jerusalem for the church at Antioch. They sent Barnabas there who also sought after and brought Saul (the apostle Paul) to Antioch. Paul and Barnabas taught for a whole year at the church at Antioch so the people there remained true to the Lord with all their hearts.

Also noted was that the church at Antioch sent material help to the church at Jerusalem (v. 30). So the churches were about 300 miles apart but helped each other with their prayers, encouragement, and financial support. Because of the Internet, our world is much smaller today and we can make an impact on churches and groups around the world.

How does your church or group show love and concern for others? My church has hosted Mobile Pack events for Feed my Starving Children. These are fun events for adults and children. There are specific tasks for everyone as people work together to get all the food ingredients into 150,000 food pack meals which go to various places where it is needed around the world. Below is a picture of the event at my church.

Feed My Starving Children Event

Feed My Starving Children Event at Church

Below is a picture of some of the leaders of the event after our team finished the first box of 150,000 food pack meals. I’m on the left side behind Mary who is the Director of Evangelism and Communications.

First box of 150,000 food pack meals produced

First box of 150,000 food pack meals produced

This day with You Lord, we might have the missing ingredient that someone needs; the food for the soul from the words we say or the ideas we offer. There are starving bodies and starving souls in our world today. Help us to work as a team and show concern for each other. For it is Jesus Christ who binds us together and the Holy Spirit is with us wherever we go. Amen.

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A “Yes” to Christ Changes Everything

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Mark Shields

Another message of the sermon series titled “Questions Jesus Asked” was presented last Sunday at the church I worship at. The message brought to us was “Do You want to Get Well”? Here is a link to the Sermon Podcast. To see live around 9:30 each Sunday morning, just click on the button titled live on the right side. Also, you can watch past worship services at any time or place thereafter by clicking the button next to the title of each sermon.

Like the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda, there are chronic issues we all face in life but saying yes to Christ changes everything. When Jesus is present, anything is possible if we acknowledge our circumstance, realize that Jesus knows our story, and step ahead to meet the challenge. Step ahead with faith through any doubts or fears by trusting that Jesus will make the changes needed so that we have true freedom.

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Setting Up a Good Foundation

Posted on March 10, 2016 by Mark Shields

While I was going through college, I worked for a construction company during summers and between semester breaks. Now I work with computer systems and in both areas, laying down a foundation is vital. To do things right, you want to set up a good foundation. In the post Grace Overrides the Law, Peter is laying down the foundation of the church so that it would lead to a movement in which an impact upon lives would be made.

This day with God, rejoice in the freedom He gives through grace. A freedom that helps us live, give, and love. A freedom that will speak and teach; setting a strong foundation that we can rely on. Receive inspiration from today’s video: In Christ Alone with Solid Rock.


Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

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Relay for Life

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Mark Shields

This poem is inspired by my participation in our local Relay for Life to fight cancer.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

This Saturday March 12, Relay for Life McLennan Countynear the Baylor football stadium in Waco Texas will be held. I’ve participated in this event ever since my Mom lost her battle with cancer in 2006. This poem below was inspired by attending this event over the years. If you would like to contribute to my team, here is a link to our team page. 

Relay for Life 2013

Relay for Life brings light into the dark
To take away the question mark.
Giving plans to overcome the fear,
Make burdens lighter, and provide good cheer.

Relay for Life provides optimism
For difficult times through activism.
Changing the unbearable
Into what is more endurable.

Giving participants a chance to work as one;
Helping one another until the disease is done.
Working together within a community
To find a cure and ease anxiety.

New medications give hope; a spouse adds love,
A family…

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Grace Overrides the Law

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Mark Shields

Peter was criticized by the strong legalistic party of Jewish leaders in Acts 11:1-18  because he had shared God’s Word with the Gentiles. Peter patiently explains what had taken place while he was in the city of Joppa. That he had a vision and the Holy Spirit was telling him to share God’s Word with the Gentiles. When he shared the Good News with them, they also received the power of the Holy Spirit.

Since God gave the Gentiles the same gift of the Holy Spirit that He had given the Jewish believers, Peter said this affirmed that it was pleasing to God that they share His Word with the Gentiles. There is a difference between law and grace and because of the grace of God and the gift of His Son, there is a new paradigm in which grace overrides the law. All this is Good News for us.

Father God, Your Way works; changing people for the better through the Holy Spirit and that is Good News. It is up to us to simply tell the story as Peter did and give the facts. When people hear the facts, contention no longer exist and people no longer argue over minor matters but put more focus on what is truly important; Your grace and sharing about it with others. Amen!

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