Focus on Our King

Posted on November 30, 2013 by Mark Shields

History tells us over and over how import it is to focus on the principles of the Bible. No person in history focused more clearly on these principles than Jesus who came to earth to teach us.  The Son of God came to earth and taught us all how to internalize these principles by praying, listening, realigning our heart, and expecting to be blessed. Let us read, experience, and learn. 

Discovered in the last post was how Judah had ups and downs. They would do well as a nation when the king led with a focus on God but disaster occurred under kings who lead with a focus on the worship of idols and other gods. My friend, this day with God we have the perfect king that this song highlights: Here is Our King – David Crowder Band. Let us all be focused on our King Jesus.


I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. – John 17:4

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Leadership Makes a Big Difference

Posted on November 29, 2013 by Mark Shields

As described in 2 Chronicles 35-36, a Passover celebration which had not been observed for many years was now occurring because of the good leadership of Josiah. The Temple was in order, there was peace, and happiness during this time. Then Josiah went to battle against Neco who was king of Egypt and a fatal blow occurred which opened the flood-gates to future miseries.  Josiah was killed in battle and the kings to follow him would be a disaster to Judah.

The north part of Israel fell to Assyria. The southern part called Judah would eventually collapse due to the Babylonians and king Nebuchadnezzar. God had given this warning to Solomon when the Temple was first built: But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples (V. 2 CH 7:19-20).

Photo is from Google Images

 When the focus is on God, there is a clear advantage. History tells us how important it is to follow His plans, attend to detail, and put things in order. Let us walk in His ways day by day and stay focused on His presence. God is not distant but near. Click on the Internet through your computer, tablet, or smart phone and be reminded of this amazing truth throughout your day.

 

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Food for the Soul

Posted on November 28, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo from Google Images

What are you thankful for … delicious food, watching a movie, reading, watching a football game, hunting, hanging out with friends? Maybe it’s the gift of another day like the quote on the picture. 

We can all be thankful for God who has given us another day and is there for us each day as we breathe, read, think, and enjoy. Even when we breathe our last breath on earth, He is with us and accepts us to be with Him forevermore.

I heard once that showing thankfulness to people who have positively impacted your life provides great happiness. One idea is to think of the people that have impacted your life in a good way and consider writing a sentence or two about why. Maybe it’s a parent, a grandparent, a Pastor, teacher, mentor or friend. In some cases, the person may already be in heaven.

This day with God, let us continue to provide Food for the Soul by praying for opportunities to show our gratitude to those that have made an impact on our life.

 

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Worship Service Update 11/27/2013

Posted on November 27, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo from Google Images

Last Sunday at the church I attend, the message was titled “I’m Thankful for…”  We live in a changing world today that is changing at a rapid pace. With a smart phone, we can instantly get the temperature in New York, Dallas, London, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Tokyo, etc.  We can, text, talk, use skype, iPad/Tablet, write blogs, do Facebook or Twitter and no telling what in the future but one thing never changes; the dependability of God who never changes… and for this, we can be thankful.

Main points from the message 

Pastor Steve brought the message to us with five main points. The first is that we can be thankful for the unchanging character of God. Why change what’s perfect and God is perfect; never having a bad day and is always faithful. He sent His Son Jesus who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. –Hebrews 13:8.

A second thing we can be thankful for is the unchanging power of God. Civilizations rise and fall, economies have up and down cycles, athletes come into their prime and out of their prime but God never loses his fastball. He’s always in His prime.

Next, we can be thankful for the unchanging holiness of God. We live in a tolerant world today that even tries to make excuses for others who cause tremendous harm to others. But God never accepts terrorism, racism, bullying, lies, fraud, unjust treatment, or sin of any kind. That’s why he sent Christ to die for sin. In Christ, we are given a way to holiness by accepting His Son as Savior.

Another thing we can be thankful for is the unchanging purpose of God which is to love us. All He wants from us is to love Him back but sin got in the way. We can’t self correct the problem but God found a way to correct the problem.

The greatest gift ever was Jesus and His sacrifice is another reason we can be thankful this Thanksgiving; the unchanging love of God which Paul described in Romans 8:38 when he said, “I’m convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love”.

We will begin a new sermon series next weekend at the church I attend. If you are not able to attend your local church service (traveling, health condition, etc), I invite you to this link of the podcast where you can listen/watch each sermon message.

Over the next few days, let us count our blessings and be thankful for our Creator who gives grace, power, and peace; staying the same in an ever changing world. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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Making a Change

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Mark Shields

Reading throughout 2 Chronicles, Judah has its good kings and its bad kings. Josiah was a king who wanted to make a change and start going by the Book of the Law of the Lord. He took action and the proven positive result of working faithfully by the Book is demonstrated. There’s a song that’s about change and the desire to not go back to the way it was that I’d like to share: I Won’t Go Back – William McDowell.


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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