His Kingdom Rules Over All

Posted on January 14, 2014 by Mark Shields

I posted yesterday at this link about 2 Peter 2:10-22 and the corruption of false teachers; that they are the enemy. What we must do is remain optimistic that small improvements can lead to bigger improvements over time.

We can be thankful for Jesus who provides the path to freedom. Unfortunately, many are slaves to whatever controls them. Societies sometimes go through periods that seem to be the right way but like a dog who returns to their own vomit or a pig that returns to the mud puddle, they get back on the wrong path.

I remember listening to Paul Harvey years ago on the radio. Here’s a video on some of his thoughts about American society many years ago: If I Were The Devil – Paul Harvey.



It seems as though in many cases, our society gets back on the wrong path. What is it going to take to get more to understand the words below?

The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.  – Psalm 103:19

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Follow the Path Away from Corruption

Posted on January 13, 2014 by Mark Shields

Photo from Google Images

For a society to build up a resistance to corruption, we have to believe that small actions over time will build up to make major improvements. We have to look at corruption as the enemy and work together to identify this enemy in order to destroy its grip.

Reading in 2 Peter 2:10-22, we get a description of false teachers who had a grip on society during the time of Peter. They had behavior patterns that were slanderous, their message was empty, and they appealed to the lustful desires of sinful human nature. It is explained in the passage that their fate is not good for they will be destroyed and paid back for the harm they have produced.

Explained also in the passage is that the type of person affected by false teaching is the unstable; those who are taken in by the deceivers. Their own lust gains victory over them because accepting what the false teacher promises requires no effort. They simply continue with their negative habits and attitudes to receive what they want. On the other hand, righteousness requires effort.

The best idea to resist false teaching is to follow the path laid out in God’s Word. As presented in this reading, if we follow our own sinful desires, we become enslaved by whatever our flesh wants but if we submit our life to Christ, we become free. The Gospel message is the water of life that refreshes the soul for anyone who wants to be saved by our Lord Jesus.

This day with God, have confidence in the promise that hope will give optimism in a time of despair; faith will give courage in a time of doubt, and love will bring victory in a time of hate.

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God’s Vision for His Creation – Sermon Message 01-05-2014

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Mark Shields

What is our mission? For Christians, it’s a life saving mission. It’s an adventurous and sometimes difficult mission. But it’s a mission that can change the world and we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us.

Photo from Google Images

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

To Discern Together God’s Vision for our Church and Community
In Philippians 1:1-2, Paul describes himself as a servant of Christ Jesus. As we discern our vision for the church we are a part of, we should have this servant attitude because this is how businesses, families, and a whole community thrive.

We are on a Mission from God
What business are we in as Christians? We are on a life saving business. No group, organization, or business has a more important purpose than the one God has given us in saving souls.

God Never Gives Up
As stated in Philippians 1:5, we are partners in spreading the Good News about Christ. It’s an adventure and we keep on offense until it is done.

It’s All About the “With God” Life
Everyone faces difficulty with health, business, relationships, etc. but as Jesus says in John 7:37-38, the Holy Spirit will be there to pull us through and supply the resources needed.

With God We Look Up, We Look In, and Move Out
As we look up to God, we not only change our own heart, but also start changing the world. That’s how hospitals started, organization like Salvation Army, new businesses form, and inventions are made.

Next weekend, Pastor Steve will bring the message “A With God Life”. 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!

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Raise the White Flag and Lift the Cross High

Posted on January 9, 2014 by Mark Shields

A lesson learned for me in the previous study of 2 Peter 2:1-9 and in sharing in the post yesterday is to know whose side to be on. It’s so important to listen to the right people and follow the right leader. We should listen to those with wholesome values and morals who apply these principles in their life.

We live in a world today with so much information and it’s hard to know who to follow but I know ONE who is worthy to follow. I found this video that has given me a lift and I hope it gives you a lift too: White Flag – Chris Tomlin. God bless your day! 🙂



The battle rages on and we can’t win the fight against evil without God. Therefore, let us raise the white flag and surrender all to Him. With God, the battle is over and the war has been won on the Cross. Lift the Cross high like a trophy and live this day for the glory of God with passion.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God be with us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31

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The ONE Who Never Lets Us Down

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Mark Shields

False prophets have gaps in how they believe a person is saved. They talk about how God is great but not much about their own obedience to Him. Reading in 2 Peter 2:1-9, the fate of such a person is not good because justice will eventually find them out.

Peter gave three historic examples of God’s judgment; the fallen angels in verse 4, the ungodly when the flood covered the earth during the time of Noah in verse 5, and the ungodly when the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were burned to ashes in verse 6.

Just like Lot who was distressed by the lawless men of his time, we may face distressing trials and temptations because of the lawless of our time. When this happens, we can put our trust in God. The Ungodly may get away with evil for a while but eventually they will be brought to justice.

Let us be aware of special meanings or interpretations that belittle Christ. Let us read the Bible so we can recognize false teachings. Let us be thankful for a forgiving God who sent His Son as our Savior.

The love of God in Christ is a gift and this day will be amazing because our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets each individual free and never lets us down.

Image Credit
Google Images

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