Share About the Good News

Posted on December 3, 2014 by Mark Shields

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:8-12

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We desire the unseen, the eternal, the supernatural. Like the angels – desire to invest in others by making the wisdom of God known to them. – Pastor Steve Ramsdell

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You Are the Reason for the Season

Posted on December 2, 2014 by Mark Shields

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If everything was perfect, there would be no need for Christmas. Remember, “We are the reason for the season”. Christ was born for people like your neighbor, your co-worker, or your boss. – Pastor Steve Ramsdell

 

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Looking for a Star

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Mark Shields

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When we look for a star like the wise men did, we should keep searching with diligence. Our stars today may be a friend, a song, a bible verse, or a point made in a sermon. – Pastor Steve Ramsdell

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The Reason

Posted on November 29, 2014 by Mark Shields

The lesson for me in reading Luke 9: “Understanding the Kingdom” is that greatness is achieved through humility because then there is sincerity and a dependence on God. There is plenty of work to be done in this world and we should understand that God is not interested in how we do things but that His good work is done.

The competition we face in this world is between good and evil. It is not between other groups simply because they do things different. We should appreciate and affirm others who stand for good; understanding that God is interested more about the why rather than what or how.

We should humbly step up to the plate and rely on God’s power to accomplish the task before us. Here’s a video to help us understand more about the why; that God is the reason for every good thing and we should give glory to Him: The Afters – Every Good Thing.


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

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Understanding the Kingdom

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Mark Shields

The disciples know at this point that Jesus is the Christ of God. They are all expecting the kingdom of God to be established on earth at any moment but in reading Luke 9:37-62, a statement of Jesus contrast with their expectations. Jesus says “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men (v. 44).”

The disciples marveled at everything Jesus did. They knew He had great power because they had witnessed the miracles and He had just healed a boy with an evil spirit but they misunderstood the kingdom of God. They then began to compete against each other and an argument broke out as to who would be the greatest among them.

At this point, Jesus took a small child and told the disciples, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me: and whoever welcomes me welcomes the ONE who sent me. For he who is least among you all – he is the greatest (v. 48).” The lesson is that greatness is achieved through humility because then there is sincerity and a dependence on God. 

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Then John told Jesus that they had seen a man driving out demons in His name and that they were trying to stop the man because he was not a part of their group. Jesus told John, “Do not stop him.” Jesus said, “For whoever is not against you is for you (v. 50).” 

Jesus was explaining about priorities and that fulfilling God’s purpose is more important than other matters in life. Significance is more important than survival (v. 46-47), serving is more important than being served (v. 48-49), and stepping up to the plate is more important than staying put and playing it safe (v. 59-62).

The competition we face in this world is between good and evil. It is not between other groups simply because they are different. We should appreciate and affirm others who stand for good. Father God, we pray today to have the right attitude and not compete against other groups but work together against the evil we face in this world. This day with You, remind us that everyone has tremendous value in Your eyes.

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