Worship Service Update 12/20/2013

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Mark Shields

Many think so much about the presents during Christmas when more need to be thinking about God’s presence during this time. The same can be said about other concerns in life. There is much worry about paying bills, washing the car, mowing the lawn, or passing a test when there needs to be more thinking about God and His presence during these times.

Last Sunday at the church I attend, the message was titled “Simple Light”.  Christmas can be very complex; lots of planning, lots of choices, lots of family gatherings to attend. All these things are important but Pastor Steve brought the message to us with some great points about what really matters in bold print below.

Christmas is about a Simple Prediction
A prediction was made in Isaiah 7:14 that a son would be born to a virgin and she will name Him Immanuel.

Christmas is about a Simple Promise
In Luke 1:35-37, an angle told Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High will cover her. Many things are hard to understand but when we live in God’s light, things that seem impossible become possible.

Christmas is about a Simple Trust
In Luke 1:38, Mary trusted God and responded that she is the Lord’s servant and accepted whatever He wanted. There are many things in our world today we can’t trust but God has never broken a promise and we can trust that what He tells us in His Word will come about.

Christmas is about a Simple Response
In Luke 1:46-47, Mary responds with praise and joy. We should do the same with Christmas time. Don’t worry – just live life, sing the songs and worship. By keeping worship central in our life, worry will be wiped away.

Christmas is about a Simple Beginning
We think a lot of times that greatness comes from complex ideas but in reality, the most meaningful plans and ideas can come from very simple beginnings.  As recorded in Luke 2:6-7, the birth of Jesus had a simple beginning. There was no room for them in the village inn so Jesus was born and laid in a manger.

Christmas is about a Simple Story
A simple story turns into an amazing one. In Luke 2:17-19, the shepherds told everyone about the birth of Jesus they were astonished.

This weekend, we will continue the sermon series as we lead up to Christmas. 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.

As we head towards Christmas day, try to answer this question: What does Christmas mean to me? Then share your thoughts with at least 20 people. Have a great weekend!

Photo Credit – Google Images

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Invitation to Intimacy

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Mark Shields

All through the Bible, God gives us an amazing proposal and invitation to intimacy. It’s all about our relationship with Him.  The relationship between Jesus and the church is described as a marriage. In any relationship, friendship is a crucial part of a permanent love commitment. We should lift up those we are committed to; pray for them, listen and care. We are to love what they love and try to do what they ask.

There’s a song that speaks to this relationship we have with Jesus. Some of the lyrics say that every corner of creation testifies to God’s love; all the voices of the wind, every star in every sky, and from the mountains to the valleys. From the rivers to the seas, every hand that reaches out with peace. Click this link or on the video below to watch the video Testify to Love – Avalon.



Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

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Great Love

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Mark Shields

The first question the women ask the girl in Song of Songs 5:9-16 is how is your beloved better than others? She uses images like radiance describing purity with ruddy denoting passion. She then says his head is purest gold implying a crown on one’s head. Then she describes the different parts of His body using images. To describe his eyes she uses doves indicating innocence, for lips she uses lilies signifying pleasantness, and for his legs she uses marble conveying strength. 

At the end in verse 16, the girl says “this is my friend” to describe her beloved. Friendship is a crucial part of a permanent love commitment. We should lift up those we are committed to; pray for them, listen and care. We are to love what they love and try to do what they ask.

We can be the best at what we do but it is love that makes us so blessed. The love of Christ gives us peace and freedom to take risk for within He lives. Think you will come through and think others will too with the help of His great love for you. Accept God’s gift; making use of it in life so it gives you a lift.

This day with God, let us be made aware that we are loved beyond measure and we will return this love unconditionally to others. Pray that the love of Christ who bled and died for us on the cross will compel us to live for His glory.

Photo Credit – Google Images

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Preparation

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Mark Shields

Reading Song of Solomon 5:1-8 was a lesson on preparation for me. It’s important to be ready and focused at all times; seizing the opportunity to share with others, to be kind, or encouraging.

God speaks in various ways and I need to pay attention to the wonders around me. By looking, listening, loving, and laughing, I can expect His presence always.  I need to develop the habit of winning each day with work, prayer, and thought; capitalizing on the power that God gives. I need to do the right things today, pray without ceasing, and prepare for tomorrow. 

Here is a video to inspire these actions today: Beautiful One – Jeremy Camp.


My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – James 1:19

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At the Door of the Heart

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Mark Shields

The joyful event the girl is dreaming about in Song of Songs 5:1-8 is the Spirit of Christ at the door of her heart. But she is not ready and makes excuses for not opening the door. Much like the church does today; churches and believers carelessly provoke Christ to withdraw. He knocks at the door but we pretend to be tired; we lack time, and excuse ourselves from the call. We let fear and anxiety defeats us. In Matthew 25:1-3, Jesus teaches with a similar incident in the parable of the ten virgins.

At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 

From Google Images

Five of the virgins were not prepared for the bridegroom. This day with God, let us pray for help in being ready for Him at all times. Let us value the visits of Christ more highly and recognize when He is near.

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