Love on Display

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Mark Shields

I enjoy writing inspirational poems and this one is inspired by a sermon at my church. This day with God, share a thought from one of the great sermons you attend in your community or on a podcast.

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Jesus came because we needed a guide
To help us follow the Way and not slide.
Jesus came as a servant to identify with us.
He knows how hard life can be and thus
He knows what hard work is;
He knows what fear is.
Jesus came to help protect
When lost or when we feel wrecked.
Jesus came to love us sacrificially.
Jesus came to love us unconditionally.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 02-18-2016
Inspired from sermon of Steve Ramsdell 02-14-2016
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Sermon Thoughts

Posted on February 20, 2016 by Mark Shields

A new sermon series started at the church I worship titled “Questions Jesus Asked”.  This past Sunday, the message “Wouldn’t You Leave the Ninety-Nine” was delivered. Here is a link to the podcast which is live at 9:30 central time each Sunday morning or can be seen at any time or place thereafter at this Link: Sermon Podcast.

Jesus came because we needed a guide to help us follow the Way and not slide. He came as a servant to identify with us and thus He knows how hard life can be. He came to love us unconditionally and to die for you and me. This weekend, share a thought from one of the great sermons in your community or from a podcast.

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Seeking to Win More Souls for God

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Mark Shields

I’m studying in Acts 8 about the early church being persecuted and scattered. History has a way of repeating itself but somehow we seem to not learn the lessons of the past. I remember one time putting an office chair together. It was a struggle because the screw holes didn’t line up. I was able to get three out of four screws secured but the fourth one just wouldn’t fit.

When things don’t line up, we don’t have a chance for success. It’s the same with a direction of a nation. If the plan for the future doesn’t fit with what God wants, it’s not going to work. In the post “Petition for Strong Leadership”, I wrote about the need for nations to have leaders who build the future as “One Nation Under God”.

As individuals and as a nation, the plan for the future has to line up with what God has laid out. It is only when it does that we are assured of positive results. So, this day, share with others God’s Plan for Us.

Take inspiration from today’s video as we passionately seek to win more souls for God: Set A Fire – Will Reagan & United Pursuit Band.


I wait on the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His Word I hope. – Psalm 37:4 

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Petition for Strong Leadership

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Mark Shields

What may seem to be a negative can turn into a positive with God! In Acts 8:1-25 we are told the church was persecuted and scattered. At first, this seems like a negative but God uses this negative and turns it into a positive because it caused those who had been scattered to preach the Word wherever they went. This resulted in the Word of God growing in many more places throughout the world.

Think about the world today. Everyone is reporting about the decline in Christianity in the United States and while that may be true, let us think about the world as a whole. Christianity is expanding in Africa; in China where the government does not allow churches, we get reports that there is a growing underground church.

What may seem like a negative can be turned into a positive today if young people are told more about the days when the church in the United Sates was stronger and how this led to great success in our country. We had leaders that believed in “One Nation Under God” who stood up to groups that tried to take us in the wrong direction. The current situation can change fast with good leaders who are willing to take on the challenges and accept God’s guidance as “One Nation Under God”.

This day with You Lord, we petition for Your power in each of our lives so we step out and take on challenges with confidence. We think about the possibilities You give with Your power. We pray for the faith to overcome what competes with You in our culture and for leaders that patiently follow Your will. Your power is granted because of Jesus Christ who we have accepted. The power is the gift of the Holy Spirit and as we share with others, we pray that our culture will reflect more of Your greatness; providing a better example for nations of this world to follow.

Lord, we come to You today in prayer after reading and studying Your word. Today, we read about the early church and that it was persecuted and scattered yet You still used what seemed like a negative and turned it into a positive. Lord, we ask for opportunities to share about Your tremendous divine power so that more may come to know you and desire to receive your gift of eternal live. Amen!

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Winning Hearts

Posted on February 17, 2016 by Mark Shields

There may be times when projects are due, bills are due, or for a business owner … payroll must be met. When people want to be in panic mode, don’t follow or listen … just keep heading steadily towards the victory.

Have the attitude that you’ve been there, done that because when constantly relying on God’s guidance, the challenges in life are handled victoriously on a regular bases. Then people start to label you as “a winner”!

No matter what, if you live your life with faith, hope, and love, you come out on top because of the victory gained in Jesus Christ. Nothing can stop the Lord’s purpose so continue to give Him glory just like this video points out: Give You Glory – Jeremy Camp.


For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. – 1 Peter 1:18-19  

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