Emmanuel

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Mark Shields

Emmanuel means God is with you and there is no better way to look forward to a New Year than to know that our Creator is with us every step of the way. My hope is that this poem highlights the greatest gift ever … God among us! Have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

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Emmanuel means
God is with you.
With you in difficulty;
Getting you through.

Emmanuel means
Nothing is impossible
For God is with you
And everything is possible.

Everything is possible
Even during doubt.
Just reach on out
And give Him a shout.

Everything is possible
Even when not seeing it
For the birth of Jesus
Makes the path lit.

Emmanuel means
That the unlikely
Can become likely
And the minor mighty.

Emmanuel means
He’s with you if worried
When all alone
Or when you are hurried.

Emmanuel removes
All the barriers;
Eliminating fear
Of any failures.

Emmanuel removes
Each and every doubt;
Eliminating hesitation
So you never back out.

Emmanuel removes
All that distresses;
Eliminating concern,
Taking away the stresses.

Emmanuel removes
All the restraints;
Eliminating all limitations
No more constraints.

Emmanuel means
He’s with you always
To carry out your purpose
For all your days.

By Mark Shields –…

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Sermon Thoughts – (12/24/2015)

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Mark Shields

Presented last week at the church I worship at was the message “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”. Here is a link to the podcast: http://fumcwaco.sermon.net/main/main/20562936.

Emmanuel means God is with you and when God is with you, all things are possible. Making small things into big things is more likely because God almighty is with you. Reach out to God and there will be no more doubt.

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

Have a Merry Christmas!

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His Word is Golden

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Mark Shields

And the words of the Lord are flawless,
   Like silver purified in a crucible,
   Like gold refined seven times. – Psalm 12:6

As explained in the post Rely on God’s Word, the instructions we get from the world many times no longer work or maybe never did work. On the other hand, the instructions we find in God’s Word are golden; always perfect with instructions on how to live.

God’s words are golden and the words we use are also very valuable and powerful. Today’s video is about how important words are as they can build up or tear down or lead others to God: Words – Hawk Nelson. 


Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. – Job 4:4 

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Rely on His Word

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Mark Shields

Expressed in verse 1 of Psalm 12 is the unfaithfulness within humanity. Then in verses 2-4, discussed are other weaknesses like lying, deceit, and boastfulness. Be encouraged to trust in God’s Words rather than the words of the world. The words of the world can be deceptive, arrogant and show disrespect. The words of God encourage, affirm, and guide.

A while back, we went to the Miranda Lambert concert in Dallas. I had all the directions written down. What exits to take, street names, etc. but we got up there and were right in all the construction and nothing is labeled like the maps had instructed me. The exit numbers are way off and roads were being worked on or maybe didn’t even exist anymore so I couldn’t exit where I had planned.

The directions from the world are like that wrong road map I had. Things change and are no longer the correct direction and that’s when all that you are left with is ad-libbing. The plan at that point is just thrown out the window and the only thing left is just gut instincts and educated guessing.

With the source of all knowledge or God’s Word, the road map is always correct and trustworthy. The path is laid out to the destination. The world thinks it has the correct path but it differs from person to person. One expert will say “it is this way” and another will say “no, do it this way”.

Lord, this day with You, may our words be words that encourage, affirm, and guide because they are built upon Your solid instructions. Lord, this day may the words of our mouth, and the meditations of our heart, be pleasing to You, O Lord. Amen!

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Each Day Can Be Amazing Because of Our Savior

Posted on December 22, 2015 by Mark Shields

Our days can look bleak just like they did in the post Refuge in the Deluge but each day can be amazing because of our Savior and our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never let us down.

It’s much easier living in God’s light, trusting in His promises, and using His resources. With God, it’s like running with the wind at your back. He knows our needs and gives us that extra push to the finish line.

Enjoy today’s inspiring video: He Knows – Jeremy Camp.


Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6 

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