No Fear Because He’s Near

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Mark Shields

As written in the post Focused on Our Strength, the early church experienced growing pains but the disciples set priorities, discovered their strength, and delegated some responsibilities to those blessed with special skills.

The results were very positive and this same strategy can be applied today by our leaders. Praying constantly for God’s help in receiving the vision. There is no fear because God is always near to hold us up on His shoulders so we can see far in the distance. Here’s today’s video to inspire this thought: Shoulders – For King & Country.


Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10 

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Focused on Our Strength

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Mark Shields

The early church experienced some growing pains as described in Acts 6. The Greek speaking group complained that their widows were not receiving a daily distribution of food. The twelve Apostles gathered everyone together for the first church council and they discussed the situation. They showed true leadership by admitting the issue had caused them to neglect their main focus of prayer and the Word of God so they agreed to appoint seven (The first Deacons) to take on the food distribution responsibility.

There are priorities we all have to set and for many, this is the toughest decision to make but if we set priorities and delegate certain responsibilities, then we have a greater chance of success. The strategy worked for the Apostles as the word of God spread and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly (v. 7).

As a community grows, it is important to stay focused on the main strength that has contributed to the growth. Rather than try to control everything, the Apostles decided to stick to their strength which was prayer and to the Word of God. They delegated the other responsibilities to capable leaders in their group who were full of the Spirit and wisdom.

Many today look at leadership as a popularity contest; the person who speaks well, the funniest, or the most likable but leadership is really not about these attributes. It’s more about having a vision for the future. It’s about carrying out this vision daily; getting everyone on the same page and following the path in order to get to the desired destination.

The mission of the first church was to make disciples of all nations and their growth depended on the power of the Holy Spirit. This day with You Lord, we are thankful for this chance to pray. When we pray, we know we are talking to the ONE with all the answers. Our vision and help comes from You Lord. You put us up on Your shoulders so we can see better and You carry us along the path. Our weaknesses are made strong up on Your shoulders. Help us to maintain our focus and know what our priorities are so we can best glorify Your name today. Amen!

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Following the Holy Spirit and Playing Our Unique Part in this World

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Mark Shields

In the post Sense of Purpose, the followers of Christ were put in jail for speaking in His name. Isn’t it disheartening that now over 2,000 years have passed and there are those in our current society with similar thoughts? Communication of one’s opinions and ideas are being stymied by political correctness in much the same fashion as it was in the first century against those who started the Christian church.

God sees each of us as His child. We are unique individuals who can think on our own. We don’t need a group to do all our thinking for us. We all can make our own decisions by following the Holy Spirit and playing our part in this world. Here’s our inspirational video for today: My Place in this World – Michael W. Smith. 


Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2 

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Sense of Purpose

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Mark Shields

Through the Apostles, God was performing many signs and wonders among the people. The Sadducees opposed what God was doing through the Apostles as recorded in Acts 5:12-42. They were filled with jealousy and were concerned about the great power the Apostles were gaining among the people. More and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number (v. 14).

In opposition to what God was doing, the Sadducees had the apostles arrested and put in jail (v. 18). But the Apostles were let out of prison by an angel of the Lord who told them to stand at the Temple courts and share with others their new life in Christ.

The Sadducees were furious (v. 33). Some wanted the followers of Jesus put to death but some thought it was a bad idea so they compromised and had them flogged. Then they ordered the disciples not to speak in the name of Jesus (v. 40) but they rejoiced because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name (v. 41).

We come to an understanding in this passage that when following the plans or activities of God, there is resolve and boldness. On the other hand, when not following the plans or activities of God, there is fear and hesitation. The Holy Spirit gave the apostles power and they obeyed the guidance of the Holy Spirit to boldly begin the movement we know today as the church.

This day with You Lord, we pray that our plans and activities are directly from You and are not from man. There are those who want secular thought to dominate. Rather than being “One Nation Under God”, we have become disjointed into a nation of political correctness with various groups taking a piece of our liberty. Heal our nation from this ill thought and give us a sense of purpose with insight into what part we should play in a future that makes a difference in our world. Amen!

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My Part of the World

Posted on February 7, 2016 by Mark Shields

Hope you are enjoying your weekend! Thinking about things going on in my part of the world today, I find it amazing how the Internet allows us to share with others on the other side of the globe. As mentioned in this post, we live in a very dynamic world and each day God gives us lessons we can apply in our life from the things going on around us. Have a great week my friends!

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

In local news this week, workers have started the process of the Demolition of Floyd Casey Stadium. I had many fond memories of watching games over many years there. Here is a picture of the new McLane Stadium as we walk across the Brazos River to the game.

Walking Across River to Baylor and Texas Game

In other news, it is beginning to look like the old Hillcrest Hospital could be demolished as Hillcrest has decided to move their current rehab work to the newer facility near I-35. Then we heard that the Elite restaurant closed. For almost 100 years, this restaurant near the Baylor University campus had served the community with fine food. Elvis Presley ate there in the 50’s. I have eaten there after Baylor Football games over the years. I also remember eating lunch there back in the 1990’s when a crowd of people formed near the front door. I looked over and…

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