Worship Service Update 11-10-2013

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Mark Shields

Today, we will continue the sermon series “First” at the church I attend. At this link: Pastor’s Podcast, you can see/listen to the messages of the series. You may also consider using the outlines, messages, and other material for Bible study or small group discussion.

Last week’s message was titled “First, Be Willing to Wait”. A main thought from the message is the need to be generous in building up God’s kingdom. We can do this by establishing a budget and honoring it, getting out of debt, and enjoy spending only what’s left. Below are some of the points from the message.

If you think about it, almost every advertisement is about our discontent. We think we are unhappy because we don’t have the product that is being advertized. We think life would be good if we just had the new car, the latest electronic gadget, or new product to improve how we look. And the advertisers make us think we have to have it right now.

Pastor Steve presented to us the need to redirect our appetites to the things that truly matter in life. The things that matter and last forever are things like our memories, our relationships, and our pursuit of a Godly life.

How much is enough? Putting God first in our life helps us to understand that God is enough and gives us all we need. He gives joy, peace, and all that matters in our life. Let us then be generous toward building up His kingdom?

In order to be generous towards building up His Kingdom, here are some basics that Pastor Steve presented:

  1. First establish a budget and honor it
    1. Give to God first
    2. Save for retirement
    3. Use credit sparingly
  2. Get out of consumer debt
    1. Say no to more
    2. Act your wage
  3. Enjoy spending what’s left 

We are blessed when we wait for things that are meaningful; when we make a difference in the lives of others. The relationships we build and the memories we build together give true joy. Have a blessed week and enjoy this video: When Love Sees You – Mac Powell.



Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7

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Fixing Our Eyes On Him

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Mark Shields

King Ahaz worshiped idols and promoted evil as written about in yesterday’s post. His actions resulted in troubling times for his people and rather than being faithful to God, he became even more disloyal which would lead to further decline.

It’s important to include God in every thought and activity throughout the day. Expect his presence all the time. Pray without ceasing and converse with Him while performing everyday tasks. He’s present now while you read. He’s present during good times and bad times.

As I read in 2 Chronicles, some kings are good and some are bad. We can be thankful that Christ is our perfect King today and here’s a video that reminds of His presence: Here Is Our King – David Crowder Band.


Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

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Focused on His Presence

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Mark Shields

Ahaz then became king as recorded in 2 Chronicles 28. He was unfaithful to the Lord; making cast idols for worshipping the Baals, burning incense and even sacrificing his sons in the fire. He didn’t go to the Lord for help but went to the king of Assyria for help. He even took items from the Temple of Lord and gave them to the king.  Then he started taking the furnishings from the Temple to set up altars at every street corner in Jerusalem and built high places in every town of Judah to burn sacrifices to other gods.

All this activity angered God and the results were devastating for Judah. The Arameans defeated them in war and then Israel struck Judah with a blow; affecting the lives of the people. Many soldiers were killed and plunder was taken. Wives, sons and daughters of these soldiers were taken captive with the intent to make them slaves.

Worshiping idols and promoting evil resulted in troubling times. Rather than asking for God’s help, Ahaz became even more unfaithful and this would lead to his further decline. What can we take away from the passage today? One is to focus solely on God.

Photo Credit – http://3forjc.blogspot.com

This day with God, expect His presence all the time. He’s present on the back porch in the fresh breeze as the warm, golden sunshine warms your face. He’s present when you read. He’s present when you meet others. He’s present when you take a walk and see the neighborhood children playing. He’s present when the day lets go and the unique mixture of the sounds of night produce a special music that sooths the soul. He’s present when you reflect and have a few minutes in silence, putting away the cares and concerns and noise of the day, listening for the Holy Spirit.

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Faith Provides Balance

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Mark Shields

King Uzziah prospered when he sought God but pride would lead to his downfall. It is faith that provides a balance. It assures a positive future during difficulties and humility during good times.

Over the course of a lifetime, commitment to the path of God builds faith. Also, momentum grows when we continue to walk in the light as we trust, obey, and follow.  Here is a song that inspires this commitment: Walk by Faith – Jeremy Camp.
 

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1

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The Faith Factor

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – http://lifebibleverses.com

The most important factor in the growth of Uzziah’s power is that he sought God and grew in faith as presented in 2 Chronicles 26-27. Uzziah received help from his instructor named Zechariah who taught him to fear God. He was victorious in war and he rebuilt towns as God helped. Other accomplishments included building towers to help with securing Judah and cisterns to help provide water for the livestock in the rural areas. He put to work many in the fields and vineyards of the fertile lands (V. 26:10).

He had a well trained army with plenty of weapons and supplies. His political power and fame spread until pride got to him. He burned incense to God in the temple and this was not right because only the priests were consecrated for this activity. The priests corrected him but Uzziah became angry. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead (V. 26:19). He spent the rest of his life in seclusion.

Jotham his son became king at the age of 25 and he learned from his father’s successes and mistakes.  The only weakness of his rule as noted by the chronicler is that the people continued their corrupt practices (V. 27:2).  He did not enter the temple of the Lord and he kept his pride in check and was mostly successful throughout his reign.

Faith was a factor in success for both Uzziah and Jotham. It can also be a major factor in our own life and goals. It is faith that provides a balanced life; assuring hope for a positive future during difficulties and humility during good times. This day with God, believe that every doubt or fear will be replaced with a deep abiding trust in Him.

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