Fight for Faith

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Mark Shields

Doing nothing and believing in nothing is easy but not rewarding. Fight for faith because believing and doing good is very rewarding. Worship the King of Glory and be thankful for the power received from Him.

The King of Mercy is worthy of our praise so glorify Him. With every drop of blood, He gives eternal life to all that believe in Him. Let us be inspired by this love and return this favor by loving Him and showing our love to others.

Here is a song I found that worships our King of Glory: Glorify You Alone – Gateway Worship.


For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith.  And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. – Hebrews 10:37-39

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Be on Guard

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Mark Shields

One lesson learned in reading Jude 1-7 is to be on guard. I just finished 2 Peter and the warnings found there are reiterated in Jude. The purpose of this writing by the brother of James named Jude is to warn believers against immoral teachers and to urge them to live in purity. A person’s faith should show in the way they live.

What is damaging about the false teaching of the grace of God is that this gives these teachers a license for immorality and to deny Jesus Christ (v. 4). Jude gives three examples from the past where false teachers had been destroyed.

One was when an entire generation perished in the wilderness after being delivered out of Egypt (v. 5). Second was when the angels rebelled and abandoned their positions into a life of eternal separation from God (v. 6).  Third, was when the people of Sodom and Gomorrah turned from God to follow their own lustful natures (v. 7).

Grace does bring peace and a sense of freedom but this doesn’t give a license to sin. This day with God, pray to take the love from Christ and glorify the King of Mercy by returning this love through how you live and by offering your brotherly love to others.

Image Credit – Google Images
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With God I Am Bigger – Notes from Sermon Message on 01/19/2014

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Mark Shields

I can remember at a young age playing basketball with my dad. The basket was mounted near the garage and I always wanted to dunk the ball but never could. Unless you count the times my dad would lift me up … I then had enough height to do a slam dunk. In many ways, that’s what God does for us. He lifts us up higher so we can meet the challenges we face in life.

Photo from Google Images

Last Sunday at the church I attend, the message was titled “With God I Am Bigger”.  Pastor Steve brought the message to us with some great points in bold print below. In blue print below each point are some notes I took while listening.

Do a Regular Spiritual Checkup
Galatians 5:22-23 provides a great measure our spirit. Paul says that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Are we doing the things that God ask of us? Do we measure up? Are we helping others and making a difference?

With God We Can Transcend Our Limitations
God chooses certain people to pour out His Spirit on them to do amazing things for Him. Last Monday, many had a day off to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who had a great dream that changed a nation. What dream or vision has God given you? Give it some thought and pray about it. With God, big dreams do come true.

With God There is Community
Prayer is our greatest power because we are talking to the one who gives us raw spiritual power. As told in Acts 19:11-12, Paul was given power to do unusual miracles like heal the sick. Imagine how powerful a community can be; a team with raw spiritual power to change the world.

With God There is Boldness
In Acts 4:29-31 there were threats and dangers when the disciples would meet after Jesus was crucified but with boldness they prayed and were filled with the Holy Spirit. We can do the same when simply being available. With boldness we can be a part of what God is going to do.

With God There is a Path to Follow
Paul says in Galatians 5:25 that we should follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. If we do, we can help others and make a big difference.

This weekend, Pastor Steve will bring the message “Life with God”. If you are not able to attend your local church service (traveling, health condition, weather, etc), I invite you to this link of the podcast where you can listen/watch each sermon message.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mark

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Questions for Reflection – Study of Jude

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Mark Shields

The study of 2 Peter was completed yesterday. Learned in this second letter of Peter written around 60 A.D. is the importance of knowing God’s Word and being prepared to stand up when false teachers try to lead us in the wrong direction.

There is a need to build up a resistance to corruption and sin by understanding that it is our competition. There is a need to know that little things lead to bigger things and to remain optimistic because we have the perfect role model to follow in the life of Jesus.

Let us hold the course and be anchored by the promise of a secure future. Let us have something to look forward to, being of good cheer, always remembering the love of God, and the reward of eternity through Christ.

Much of the advice given to us in 2 Peter is reiterated in the book of Jude. A person’s faith should come out in the way they live. Next week, I will post about these ideas and use the questions below to help focus on each passage.

Photo from Google Images

Jude 1-7
What is Jude’s purpose in writing? What is especially damaging about the false teaching of the grace of God? How can you contend for the faith in your situation?

Jude 8-25
Characterize the false teachers. How are you to live in view of the ungodliness around you? What will victory in your life mean to God? How should you act toward those involved in struggles with immorality or disbelief?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.
 
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times

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Submitting to God’s Will with Discipline

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Mark Shields

Reading and writing about 2 Peter in recent days has made me think about the importance of submitting to God’s will. The scripture tells us there will be a second coming. This should make us want to always be prepared by practicing our faith day in and day out. We should practice the principles of the Bible with a mindset that the Day of the Lord is getting closer. Here is a video to inspire this mindset: Lead Me to the Cross – Hillsongs.

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church. – Colossians 1:24

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