Never Compare

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Mark Shields

The Eighth message in the sermon series titled “Never-Never Land” was presented last weekend at the church I worship at. The title of the sermon was “Never Compare”.

Comparing makes a person unhappy because there is always someone that seems to have more than we do. It may be a better house, car, or they may always take better vacations. Maybe they are smarter, slimmer, or better looking.

Instead of looking around at others and what they have, the Bible tells us to just focus on what God has given us in Christ. By believing in His Son, each of us are precious and have all that we need. God has given you certain skills from heaven that is your own race to win so concentrate on the best you and receive the reward.

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Choose Good News

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Mark Shields

In the post Creating Order, some thoughts were shared about the Ten Commandments. God wants the best for us but history tells us that humanity focuses more on the things of the world rather than the “Good News” of God. When we pay attention to the world, disorder expands to fill the void of human failure. When we pay attention to God, order fills the void with greatness.

Distraction steals our heart from God. Worry and the senseless noise of the phone, television, and the bad news of the world can get us down. Each of us could use more of God’s “Good News”. Here’s an uplifting video that inspires this thought: Stop the World – Matthew West.


Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2

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Creating Order

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Mark Shields

We are at the point of our study where God has brought the people out of Egypt and now wants what was best for them. In Exodus 20, Moses goes upon Mt. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. The first commandment is “You shall have no other gods before me” (v. 3). Unfortunately, history has told us that this commandment has been disobeyed and instead the worship of things of this world is attended to with greater attention.

The Ten Commandments set up priorities and creates order in our lives. They tell us to focus on God. They set standards that everyone should pay attention to for proper family and community relationships.

The world tells us that God is not real and it’s not worth our time to pray and have Him in our thoughts. But as I go through each day; taking walks and feeling the fresh breeze hitting my face and hearing the sounds of night that sooths my soul, I know the world is telling a lie and the ONE who created the breeze and unique music of the night is telling the truth.

This day with You Lord, let us focus more on You by spending more time reading, sharing, and being nourished by Your Word. Let us keep Sundays as a day of worship and a time of rest. Help us to daily be in awe of You and spend time with You; feeling confident that following Your way will lead to a very rewarding day. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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Seek More Patience and Make Christ More Than an Acquaintance

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Mark Shields

Many may think following God’s way is boring and there is no liberty or the ability for amazing success but in reality, there is freedom and great success in obeying God’s way because God cares for us more than we care for ourselves. He understands our needs more than we do.

We should strive to be prepared daily through His Word in order to receive His divine power. The first priority is seeking more patience in making Christ more than an acquaintance which is one thought from today’s video: Lead me to the Cross – Hillsongs.


This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. – Joshua 1:8

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Directions Given

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Mark Shields

Through the leadership of Moses, God had carried the Israelites from Egypt to where they were in Exodus 19. We are told that God had great plans for His people so explained to Moses are directions for what they should do in order to be touched by His divine power. In any good thing in life, we endure being distressed before being blessed.

There were some preparations the people needed to make to receive His protection and favor. Moses explained to them to separate themselves from impurity and to dedicate themselves to Him through a three day purification ritual (vv. 10-15).

In the same way, we should prepare ourselves daily as we seek to be touched by His divine power. Because of our acceptance of Jesus who died for our sins on the cross, we are separated from impurity so we do not have these same challenges as people did during the time of Moses.

Today, we have a lot of technological gadgets but what it really comes down to is putting the time in so we know what to do and have the discipline to carry it out. In life, knowing what to do comes from God’s Word so that we follow the correct instructions.

This day with You Lord, we pray for patience, we pray for making Christ more than just an acquaintance. We pray for endurance through distress and in that endurance, You will bless. We are thankful for Your Word so we have good instructions for a better life today and a better life tomorrow. Amen.

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