Priceless Principles in the Scriptures

Paul’s method of teaching as explained in Acts 17:1-15, was to reason with his listeners from the scriptures. He would go to the synagogue of the major city of each area, share about Christ, and build up a mission-minded church that would evangelize the city and surrounding rural areas.

Many were persuaded to believe in Christ but the Jewish religious leaders were jealous of Paul and the followers of Christ. This provoked riots as the religious leaders even accused some of the believers of defying Caesar’s decrees and turning the world upside down (v. 5). Since there was trouble for the believers, Paul and Silas left Thessalonica and set out to Berea (v. 10).

Nonetheless, a group of good leaders were established at Thessalonica so a strong church grew. Sometimes, all we have to do is share about Christ and there will be those who have a desire to believe. Yes, we may face some conflict from those who choose not to believe but those that do will stimulate interest so many will examine the priceless principles found in the scriptures.

Father God, what you give to us is a plan for life and a treasure. The more we study Your plan, the more passion we have for telling others about the priceless principles found in the scriptures.

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Not Going Under But Being an Overcomer

Written about in the post “Advancing the Gospel Even in Troubles” is how Paul and Silas faced difficulty in doing the will of God. They were beaten publicly and put in prison. But as described in the post, God can advance the gospel even in our troubles.

This day with God, be an over comer even when things happen that should not or when  those you thought you could trust do something that makes you not trust them anymore. Be able to forgive, step ahead, and be grateful for what you do have. Here’s today’s inspirational video as we build momentum this day: Overcomer – Mandisa. 


And call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. – Psalm 50:15  

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Advancing the Gospel Even in Troubles

Paul and his companions traveled to Philippi which was a Roman colony and leading city of the district of Macedonia. Reading in Acts 16:11-24, the Jewish population of Philippi must have been limited with only a handful of Jewish women who met for prayer down by the river bank. One woman named Lydia responded to Paul’s message by inviting the missionaries over to her home.

A slave girl who was a fortune teller began to follow Paul around causing damage to the ministry because Paul’s message was identified with her false message. Paul was annoyed and in Christ name commanded that the demonic spirit leave the woman. It left at once and the slave girl’s owners were furious because the fortune telling slave girl could no longer produce a lot of money for them.

Paul and Silas were then seized and dragged into the marketplace to face the authorities (v. 19). They were beaten with rods, severely flogged, and thrown into prison. While in prison one night, they were singing and praising God and God responded with an Earthquake that opened the doors to the prison to free them (v. 25-26).

Doing the will of God does not exclude trouble. Paul and Silas responded to their discouraging circumstances with prayer and praise. These are powerful weapons God can use as we advance the gospel even in troubling times. This day with You Lord, we also would like to develop an attitude that responds to our challenges with prayer and praise.

Father God, we have a fresh start with a new perspective today. Some of us are facing challenges this day but we have confidence that You will bless us. Hope will ease our current pain for future joy that will dissolve our sorrow. Your Love for us through Christ will wash away any disappointments from the past. Because of You, great challenges will become routine because with You, all things are possible. In Christ name we pray. Amen.

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Victory

Celebrate the victory today!

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Pulling for the cherished
local sports teams
but the only thing,
they lose it seems.

It is better pulling
for God’s great team
since final victory
is the main theme.

The gathering place
for His faithful people
is a wonderful place
under the steeple.

The championship
Is a place called Heaven
for all who will receive
His ultimate blessing.

The faithful followers
are assured of power
so the fruits of the Spirit
continue to flower.

There is control over worry
to improve your health
by believing in His son
and receiving spiritual wealth.

For He has provided
the Spirit of His Son
so accept in your heart
where the victory is done.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 06-30-2016
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Be the Person He Created You to Be

The third message in the sermon series titled “Man vs. Wild” was presented last weekend at the church I worship at. The title of the sermon was “Elijah – Just Like Us”.

Throughout the journey of life, we can have good days and bad days. During the bumpy ride, try not to focus on the negative but ask for help, keep working hard, be faithful, and know the outcome is in God’s hands. In the meantime, be the person God made you to be and know that the Lord is with you to a joyful end.

To see the worship service live each Sunday morning, just click this link: Worship Service on Facebook. Then look for the latest post where it says “Live Sermon”. To watch a sermon anytime or place, type in “Live Sermon” in the “Search for posts on this Page” box on the upper left side.

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