Applying Our Faith Produces Extraordinary Results

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Mark Shields

As explained in Acts 19:11-22, God produced extraordinary results in Ephesus. Handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul were taken to the sick and their illnesses were cured. There were some who went around trying to drive out evil spirits by unleashing the power of the gospel themselves; invoking the name of the Lord Jesus when trying to drive out the evil spirits from demon-possessed souls.

The fear of the Lord consumed the people of the city when they saw the punishment received by those who deceptively used the name of the Lord to drive out evil spirits. They were punished for their duplicity and the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power (v. 20).

After Paul stayed in Ephesus for 2 ½ years, he started to make plans for the future and took some steps to fulfill those plans. He sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia to prepare the believers for his coming. He also started planning for a visit to Rome.

Today, the world would be better off if guidance received was more from God through His Word and through prayer rather than from secular thought. Prayer is our greatest power because we are talking to the ONE who has the answers.

Lord, this day with You, we pray that we put Your guidance into practice rather than relying on deceptive guidance from those with their own agenda. Like Paul, help us to plan out our Christian service for the future. Help us with the instructions we need to fulfill those plans. We know this day will be amazing because we will be putting Your guidance into practice. In Jesus name. Amen.

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The Week Ahead

Posted on July 24, 2016 by Mark Shields

This week, we will be sharing some thoughts from the study of Acts 19. Here are some questions for reflection of Acts 19:11-22:

What extraordinary results does God produce in Ephesus? What long-range plans do you have for your Christian service? What steps will you need to take to fulfill those plans?

Here are some questions for reflection of Acts 19:23-41

What causes the new wave of opposition? What brings it to an end? What does this incident reveal about the results of the gospel in society?

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Promises

Posted on July 23, 2016 by Mark Shields

This weekend, take some time to dream about your potential for greatness. If going through some difficulty in life, use this poem to remind about the promises given to us from God.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

You have a part;
a part to play
If having difficulty,
believe it will be okay.

Receive the hope;
a clearer picture
to a future victory
told in the Scripture.

Stay on track,
go the direction,
play your part,
seek a connection.

As a devoted believer,
receive the provisions.
Food for the soul;
sureness in decisions.

Improve your life
and those around you
by believing in the promises
of the ONE TRUE.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 07-14-2016
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Living Our Lives to Glorify Him

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Mark Shields

A sustaining faith is possible if there is a connection to the Vine. As shared in the post “Being Baptized into His Name”, there were twelve disciples that Paul met at Ephesus who knew about repentance but not about receiving the Holy Spirit.

There are difficulties we face daily … a family member is sick, a rough day at work, the need to balance tasks at work, home, or school. When we face these difficulties and turn them over to God, that’s when greatness begins.

Let us ask the Holy Spirit for ideas and the ability to implement these ideas. Let us also look for ways to build up our faith and find ways to share with as many people around the world as possible. Then, more and more will be connected to the ONE with all the resources needed.

Today, we have at our fingertips the use of technology that gives us the ability to share in ways Paul could only dream about. Here is just one example of the use of technology to inspire: Something in the Water – Carrie Underwood.


So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. – Colossians 2:6-7 

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Being Baptized into His Name

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Mark Shields

Paul traveled to Ephesus which was one of the greatest commercial centers of that time; perfectly located on the trade route from Rome to the other major cities to the East. While at Ephesus, Paul explains the true significance of John’s baptism in Acts 19:1-10 by clarifying the importance of repentance, accepting Jesus, and receiving the Holy Spirit. There were twelve disciples in Ephesus who had received John’s baptism of repentance but had not been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (v. 5).

Paul laid his hands on the twelve disciples and baptized them in Jesus name so they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. It’s important for us to search the scriptures so the Holy Spirit will guide us and that we do not rely on someone who might lead us in the wrong direction. Today, we have at our fingertips, the ability to gain more information than ever and this presents both opportunities and challenges.

It’s important to ask for help in prayer as the Holy Spirit guides to an understanding of the Scriptures. Today will be amazing because we can dream about and put into action the steps needed to get people motivated towards knowing about and spreading God’s Word to as many places around this world as possible. That’s what Paul set out to accomplish when he shared the Good News of Christ at the lecture hall of Tyrannus and we have at our disposal the latest technology to make it happen to an even greater extent today.

This day with You Lord, we know the importance of being taught about Your Way and learning from each other. But of most importance is to search the Scriptures and to rely on the Holy Spirit to help us understand what You truly want us to do. Help us to take the proper steps towards sharing Your Word to as many places and as many people as possible. In Jesus Name. Amen. 

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