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Worship Service Update 10-27-2013

Posted on October 27, 2013 by Mark Shields

Today, we start a new sermon series called “First” at the church where I worship. First is based on a simple belief: that we put God before everything else in our lives – possessions, gadgets, houses, cars, careers, busy schedules, even before family and friends – and that when we do, we joyfully work, produce and contribute to God’s kingdom. The first message is titled “First, Name Your Idols.”. If you are not able to attend your local church service today (traveling, health condition, etc), I invite you to this link of the podcast.

The main thought I noted from last week’s message is that the world has it wrong. There is pressure to do more than we could possibly do; to carry loads we can’t carry alone. Christ makes our burdens light. If we spend more of our time on developing our soul, we will be prepared for everything right now and for all eternity.

The poem below was inspired from last week’s message.

Made by Him, For Him, and Needing Him
Spiritual leaders tell us what to do;
Watching over our heart;
Making us smart;
Pushing us to start.
The Bible also tells us what to do;
It nourishes the soul;
Putting us in control
Of the will, mind, body, and soul.
Needing some perks,
We are fed with good food
Viewed in the good works
We all can exude.
The unexamined soul grows weary
But here is a good theory:
We can handle a wrong world
By building up a soul that can trust;
Making the load light is a must;
And helps to readjust;
Then the Lord can restore;
And open a new door.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 10-27-2013

Enjoy this video It is Well with My Soul – Hillsong.

Have a blessed week with God!

Together – Five Minute Friday (thehopejourney.wordpress.com)
Worship Bites- “Christ is the Cornerstone” (gracestartshere.wordpress.com)
How to Get Something Out of Worship (jarrettbanks.wordpress.com)
Hillsong: The Stand (inspirationalchristiansfortoday.com)

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Bible, Christ, Christianity, Church service, God, Hillsong Music Australia, local church service, Lord, Religion and Spirituality | Leave a comment

Desire to Live the Right Way

Posted on October 26, 2013 by Mark Shields

In reading 2 Chronicles 21-22 and sharing some thoughts in yesterday’ post, it was concluded that the next two kings of Jerusalem had no desire to live the right way and be on the right side of history. This has supplemented the thought that there are consequences for not walking in the ways of God.

The lesson is that we need to picture in our mind finishing the race strong by building momentum throughout life and going the distance running the right way. We need to strive to lead big lives by cherishing our visions, having big dreams, and fighting for them in a big way.

We also need to invest in others by helping them know that the things of God are worth more than any treasure. Let us all desire to hear these words at the finish line: “Well done my faithful servant”. A song that gives a lift is One Desire – Hillsong.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. – Psalm 37:4

Dumb Prayers (8/2/13) (joyfulpench.wordpress.com)
The Father’s will must be our hearts desire (davidcampbelljr.wordpress.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged Books of Chronicles, David, God, Holy Spirit, Israel, Jehoshaphat, Jerusalem, Lord | 4 Comments

Walking in His Ways

Posted on October 25, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – http://sign-of-contradiction.blogspot.com

The next two kings of Jerusalem had no desire to live the right way and be on the right side of history. We learn that there are consequences for not walking in the ways of God.

Reading in 2 Chronicles 21-22, there were long-term negative effects as a result of Jehoshaphat’s decision to make a marriage alliance with the house of Ahab. His oldest son Jehoram took over as king and married one of the daughter’s of Ahab. Then another son named Ahaziah took bad advice from his mother who was the daughter of Ahab and the others within the house of Ahab.

A series of blows were delivered to the kings in the line of David. Terrible decisions were made after following bad counsel, there were murders of the royal family members, and there was illness. The whole line of David would have been destroyed if not for Jehosheba who was the daughter of king Jehoram. She protected the young future king Joash from being murdered and he kept the line of David in place.

The people were tired of the evil leadership of their kings. When king Jehoram died, no one seemed to care. In fact, no one showed any remorse at all.

This day with God, let’s make sure we plan now to live in such a way that our life impacts others in a good way. In prayer today, let us ask for guidance so that we are on the right side of history by being with God and walking in His ways.

Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Chronicles 20-24 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Leadership (thetheologizer.wordpress.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged Ahab, Books of Chronicles, David, God, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jehosheba, Jerusalem, king Jehoram | 5 Comments

Gaining the Clear Advantage

Posted on October 24, 2013 by Mark Shields

In reading 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah went to God for help. The benefit was that they were in a position with the clear advantage.

The lesson for me is to do the same; seek God and ask for help to fulfill the purpose He has for me. To set my heart upon being the best I can and getting inspiration by what God has done and will continue to do. Faith gives courage to win spiritual battles over evil.

One side wins and one side looses so this day with God, let us be sure we are on His side and that we push for others to join His team. Let this song give inspiration: We Will Stand – Avalon and Russ Taff.

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

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged Books of Chronicles, God, Inspiration, Jehoshaphat, Judah, King Jehoshaphat, Lord, Religion and Spirituality, Russ Taff | 3 Comments

Faith Inspires True Courage

Posted on October 23, 2013 by Mark Shields

Reading in 2 Chronicles 20:14-37, the people of Judah had assembled and Jahaziel stands up to tell them what the Lord has said to him which is to not be afraid or discouraged about the vast army coming at them because He will be with them. God had spoken to Jahaziel with instructions and the people believed in the plan. They responded with worship and praise to God. Then set out with faith to carry out the plan.

Faith inspires true courage. King Jehoshaphat stood in front of the people of Judah to inspire and give courage to his people as they set out to face the enemy. They then started singing and praising the Lord as they headed to battle. While doing this, the Lord was already setting up events for victory; giving advantages to Judah and even confusing the enemies so they were destroying each other.

Photo Credit – http://salesianity.blogspot.com

The Lord gave them victory. At this point in history, the other kingdoms began to notice that God was on Judah’s side so they were afraid to attack them. There was peace and rest for Judah at this time in history but the people again didn’t put their total heart and soul on God so there was mediocrity instead of excellence in their future.

This day with God, pray for protection from evil and victory over temptation. Note how the Bible gives great advice and have assurance that there is victory in Christ to win any battle that life brings.