The Power of Prayer

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Mark Shields

In Acts 12:1-19, King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church in order to persecute them. James was put to death with the sword and Peter was put in prison. When the church heard what had happened, they started praying.

Even though many guards were used to make sure Peter could not getaway and he was bound with two chains, an angel of the Lord helped Peter escape. At first, Peter thought he was having a dream as the angel told Peter to get up and follow but when they got far enough away, the angel disappeared and Peter knew the event was not a dream.

Peter then went to where the believers were praying for him. He knocked on the door but the believers did not let Peter in at first because they could not believe it was Peter. Finally they let him in and Peter explains what had happened. He then goes to another place for his safety.

The next day, Herod searched for Peter but could not find him. After cross-examination of the guards, Herod came to the conclusion that the guards had let Peter go so He executed all the guards.

Noted in this passage is the power of prayer. With God, we can passionately believe in what we are doing, let nothing hold us up in our work, and know that one day at a time the impossible will become possible. The power of God to answer our prayer is greater than anyone or anything on earth. Let us expect great things because God is with us and all things are possible.

This day with You Lord, we expect great things to happen because You are with us always and You are setting things up for our prayers to be answered. When we pray, we know that we are in conversation with the ONE who has all the answers to our questions. It is through You Lord that all things are possible. Amen!

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Glorify Him with One Mind and One Voice

Posted on March 15, 2016 by Mark Shields

In the post Concern for Others, I shared some thoughts after studying Acts 11:19-30. Within this passage, the Holy Spirit rallies Christians together for the purpose of spreading the Good News. The thought was that teamwork is demonstrated as Christian churches or groups show love and concern for each other.

This day with God, let us work as a team and show concern for each other. For it is Jesus Christ who binds us together and the Holy Spirit is with us wherever we go. Receive inspiration from today’s video: We will Stand – Larnelle Harris & Russ Taff.


May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 15:5-6

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This Day with God

 

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Concern for Others

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Mark Shields

As explained in Acts 11:19-30, the gospel spread after the persecution broke out when Stephen was stoned to death. As the followers of Jesus scattered, they spread the Good News (v. 21). So God has a role in setting up situations for the gospel message to spread and believers also have a role as they talk to others.

In reading this passage, it was noted how there was concern from the church at Jerusalem for the church at Antioch. They sent Barnabas there who also sought after and brought Saul (the apostle Paul) to Antioch. Paul and Barnabas taught for a whole year at the church at Antioch so the people there remained true to the Lord with all their hearts.

Also noted was that the church at Antioch sent material help to the church at Jerusalem (v. 30). So the churches were about 300 miles apart but helped each other with their prayers, encouragement, and financial support. Because of the Internet, our world is much smaller today and we can make an impact on churches and groups around the world.

How does your church or group show love and concern for others? My church has hosted Mobile Pack events for Feed my Starving Children. These are fun events for adults and children. There are specific tasks for everyone as people work together to get all the food ingredients into 150,000 food pack meals which go to various places where it is needed around the world. Below is a picture of the event at my church.

Feed My Starving Children Event

Feed My Starving Children Event at Church

Below is a picture of some of the leaders of the event after our team finished the first box of 150,000 food pack meals. I’m on the left side behind Mary who is the Director of Evangelism and Communications.

First box of 150,000 food pack meals produced

First box of 150,000 food pack meals produced

This day with You Lord, we might have the missing ingredient that someone needs; the food for the soul from the words we say or the ideas we offer. There are starving bodies and starving souls in our world today. Help us to work as a team and show concern for each other. For it is Jesus Christ who binds us together and the Holy Spirit is with us wherever we go. Amen.

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A “Yes” to Christ Changes Everything

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Mark Shields

Another message of the sermon series titled “Questions Jesus Asked” was presented last Sunday at the church I worship at. The message brought to us was “Do You want to Get Well”? Here is a link to the Sermon Podcast. To see live around 9:30 each Sunday morning, just click on the button titled live on the right side. Also, you can watch past worship services at any time or place thereafter by clicking the button next to the title of each sermon.

Like the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda, there are chronic issues we all face in life but saying yes to Christ changes everything. When Jesus is present, anything is possible if we acknowledge our circumstance, realize that Jesus knows our story, and step ahead to meet the challenge. Step ahead with faith through any doubts or fears by trusting that Jesus will make the changes needed so that we have true freedom.

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Setting Up a Good Foundation

Posted on March 10, 2016 by Mark Shields

While I was going through college, I worked for a construction company during summers and between semester breaks. Now I work with computer systems and in both areas, laying down a foundation is vital. To do things right, you want to set up a good foundation. In the post Grace Overrides the Law, Peter is laying down the foundation of the church so that it would lead to a movement in which an impact upon lives would be made.

This day with God, rejoice in the freedom He gives through grace. A freedom that helps us live, give, and love. A freedom that will speak and teach; setting a strong foundation that we can rely on. Receive inspiration from today’s video: In Christ Alone with Solid Rock.


Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

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