Empowerment

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Mark Shields

In Acts 3:1-10, Peter and John were empowered by God to give healing to a crippled beggar. They show their love to God and to their fellow neighbor by explaining that what God gives is far more valuable than riches of this world. The beggar at the temple gate was asking for money but Peter blessed him with what he needed and this gave glory to God.

In the process of this miracle, all involved gave glory to God and improved the world around them. Peter and John glorified God because they used His power to give someone what they needed in life. The lame man glorified God because he showed excitement and enthusiasm for what he received. He went into the temple courts walking, jumping and praising God (v. 9). The spectators gave glory to God by being filled with wonder and amazement.

This day with You Lord, we pray to give You glory by using the skills You have given us and sharing them with the world. Let us share with others how You have impacted our life and made it better.  Let us share about experiences that bring You glory. Help us to inspire others with examples of Your wonder and amazement. Amen!

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Our Blessed Day Has Begun

Posted on January 16, 2016 by Mark Shields

God has given us another day. Listen to what He is saying in His word and through prayer, learn from the lessons in the Bible and the experiences of life, and implement a plan to assure positive results today.

I enjoy writing inspirational poems and my hope is that this one will set the tone for a blessed day. Have a wonderful weekend my friends!

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

God speaks to us
Through His Word
And as we pray
The future is not blurred.

He knows about the past,
The present and our hopes.
He knows how each
Reacts when on the ropes.

So study the Word,
Pray and listen
To receive the guidance
On every decision.

Each good choice made
Positively affects the universe
And the Creator has wisdom
That He wants to disburse.

Lifting our families,
Communities and nation.
So this day with God,
Use the Word as the foundation.

Using His Word and prayer
In a powerful way
To receive the answer
We need this day.

For when praying, we are speaking
And listening to the ONE.
He has every answer
And our blessed day has begun!

Poem by Mark Shields – © 01-14-2016
Inspired by Study of Genesis 41
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Sermon Thoughts

Posted on January 15, 2016 by Mark Shields

We started a new sermon series at the church I worship at called “Sweet Dreams – What Keeps You Up At Night”. Presented last week at the church I worship at was the message “Am I Serving”? Here is a link to the podcast which is live at 9:30 central time each Sunday morning or viewable at any time or place thereafter at this link: http://fumcwaco.sermon.net/main/main/20304944

Jesus taught to love our neighbor. We are called to care with true compassion and this demands action. Our neighbors are everywhere in the world; not just those who live near us. We can enlarge our circle with modern technology to care for everyone who has a need and could use our help.

This weekend, share a thought from one of the great sermons in your community or from a podcast.

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Spiritual Living

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Mark Shields

The main thought brought out in the post New Life with Christ was that the believers approached spiritual living as a discipline. They responded by devoting themselves to the apostles’ teachings and to fellowship.

In life, sometimes we forget that God is the main reason for the good things in life. We focus on putting in all the time at work to climb the ladder of success or stay busy with friends trying to be all they want us to be. But God’s plan is for us is to grow spiritually and to share with others about our faith. Here is a video that brings our focus more on the things of God: Every Good Thing – The Afters.


“…let us know His secret purpose. This was what God wanted, and He planned to do it through Christ. His goal was to carry out His plan, when the right time came, that all things in heaven and on earth would be joined together in Christ as the head. – Ephesians 1:9-11 

Index of devotionals

 

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New Life with Christ

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Mark Shields

As recorded in Acts 2:37-47, the people responded to Peter’s address in a positive way. They repented, were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day (v. 41).

They were blessed in their new life with Christ as those in need received and they were full of joy as they approached spiritual living as a discipline by being devoted to the apostles’ teachings and to fellowship.

The early church grew because the members followed God’s plan and there was learning, sharing, and worshiping. The members loved each other as the Holy Spirit moved in their hearts. It is the same in everything we do in life today. If we follow God’s plan, things fall into place and we get more done than we ever thought we could.

This day with You Lord, we pray that Your Spirit moves in our hearts and we receive the insight needed to fulfill our role so the future is bright. Help us to receive the plan you give us to make a significant difference because of who You are and who we are; an important part of your plan and one of your children. Amen!

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