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Stepping Ahead Of Roadblocks

Posted on September 28, 2015 by Mark Shields

The Sadducees only accepted a part of the scripture but rejected any scripture about resurrection and other powers of God such as angels and spirits (Acts 23:8). The basis of the Sadducees’ question to Jesus in Luke 20:27-47 is the law of the Levite marriage found in Deut. 25:5-10 which states that if a married man dies without children, his brother should marry his wife to carry out the family line.

The Sadducees set up a scenario for Jesus where seven brothers die without children and ask this question about resurrection: which of the brothers will have her as a wife at resurrection? Jesus had to explain to them that they completely misunderstood the resurrection. Jesus explained to them that those who get to take part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will not marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die (vv. 35-36). He explained that we cannot think of heaven in the same way as we think of life on earth.

As we go through life, we will run into those who will try to trick or deceive us in order to bring our faith down just like the Sadducees did in today’s passage. To step ahead of these roadblocks along the path, we need to do what Jesus did. He didn’t ridicule but was patient, loving, and concerned about the souls of those asking Him the questions.

This day with You Lord, we pray that we follow Your instructions on how to react to absurd questions others ask in order to get us off track. Help us to learn the Scripture so we can base our answers on Your Word. Your Word is like a double edged sword that we can use to fight against those that would like to bring us down. Amen!

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Posted in Bible Study, Overcome Difficulty | Tagged Faith, God’s Word, Heaven, Jesus, Marriage, Resurrection, Scripture | Leave a comment

Unstoppable Emotion

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Mark Shields

In reading Genesis 29, a deal was made with Rachel’s father that Jacob would work for him for seven years in return for being able to marry Rachel. The seven years only seemed like a few days because of Jacob’s love for her. This poem was inspired by this thought of the power found in this unstoppable emotion.

Step Ahead

When love takes over,
There is inspiration
With much to look forward to
And so much elation.

Knowing there is a reward.
An impetus to work hard;
Making us feel high
And the days just fly by.

Constantly reminded
Of an amazing opportunity.
Aware of the reward;
Feeling a strong unity.

Love is the emotion
That becomes unstoppable;
Things once impossible,
Suddenly become possible.

So surrender your life;
Dare to make a difference;
Set your sights on a new path
The path to significance.

Moved by the greatest love;
A love beyond measure;
Revealed in His Son;
More valuable than treasure.

Poem By Mark Shields – © 09-24-2015
Inspired by Study of Genesis 29
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Great Attributes of Christianity

Posted on September 24, 2015 by Mark Shields

In the post The Strategy to Trap Jesus, The answer Jesus gave to the question raised by the Pharisee spies demonstrated that Christianity is broad-minded. It is clear from the response of Jesus that Christianity respects the state and can work alongside it.

Christianity celebrates our differences. God has made us all for a purpose and we need to understand that our differences are really our strength. Not only are we all different in how we think, but also in our physical attributes.

God has made us all for a purpose and we need to celebrate our differences. Here is an interesting fact about our physical differences: according to Guinness World Records, the tallest man living is 8 ft. 3 inches. The shortest man living is 2 feet tall. A startling comparison is that if humans varied as much in height as dogs do, the smallest person would be 2 feet tall and the tallest person would stand 31 feet tall!

Human relationships are made complicated by our differences but this diversity actually makes us stronger. One great aspect of marriage is that a husband has certain attributes that help in a marriage and a wife has certain attributes. Each are united as one and offer something positive to the relationship.

Christianity is not only broad-minded in how people interact between their religion and the state, it is also perfect for human relationships. Most of all, Christianity is absolutely perfect in our relationship to God because it provides a way to return to Him. As this video points out, Christianity is a friend of sinners: Jesus, Friend of Sinners – Casting Crowns.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. – Romans 15:7

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Posted in Devotionals, Music, Tolerance, Video | Tagged Authority, Celebrate, Church, Diversity, Friend, God, Governments, Jesus, Lesson, Praise, Prayer, Purpose, Relationships, Stronger, Unity, Video | Leave a comment

The Strategy to Trap Jesus

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Mark Shields

The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for ways to trap Jesus. Reading in Luke 20:19-26, they employed a new strategy by sending spies who pretended to be sincere so they could catch Jesus in something He said. This would then give them an excuse for handing Him over to the power and authority of the governor (v. 20).

The spies pretend to be supporters of Jesus by being deceptively pleasant towards Him; being sly in their question as though they were offering encouragement, they said “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.” (v. 21) Then they ask the question, “Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not” (v. 22)?

Unfortunately, just like during the time of Jesus, state and church concerns seem to conflict with each other with one gaining too much power over the other rather than working together. Jesus’ lesson was that we are to respect governmental authority. We may not have a lot of respect for those who hold positions within the government but we are to respect the office because its authority has been instituted by God (vv. 23-24).

This day with God, let us try to be peace-makers and not trouble-makers. Let us call to God in a prayer of unity so there is justice throughout the world. Let us pray that governments know their role in society and that churches are allowed to fill their role.

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Posted in Bible Study, Tolerance | Tagged Authority, Church, God, Governments, Jesus, Lesson, Prayer, Unity | Leave a comment

Avoiding the Traps

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Mark Shields

Life can get complicated but we are blessed in the Bible with great lessons that help. In the post Leading With Servant Authority, the lesson Jesus teaches is about avoiding traps others want to get us into. Jesus also knew that the people were on his side and this gave Him a great advantage.

God’s got His hand on you, so don’t live in fear but be confident that He will get you through. You will do great things so take your time and pray for the Father’s guidance. Never give up hope and take a few minutes to be inspired by this video: Words I Would Say – Sidewalk Prophets.

For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. – Romans 6:6-7

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