Speedy Solutions

Posted on September 23, 2013 by Mark Shields

It’s important to choose your advisors carefully when solving problems. In reading 2 Chronicles 10 and posting yesterday, I noted that king Rehoboam sought advice and listened to the wrong advisors. Because of this mistake, there was rebellion throughout the kingdom.

Our wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace will give the best advice if we ask for help. This Day with God, ask for His advice and believe it will come quickly. Start your day with this video: Come Let Us Return to the Lord – Matt Redman.


Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

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Advice Needed

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – wildapricot.com

As explained in 2 Chronicles 10, adversaries continued to arise during the end of the reign of Solomon. The resistance grew because many people became unhappy with the heavy burden put on them to help pay for the king’s extravagance. Solomon’s son, Rehoboam took over as king and was aware of the building opposition so he sent for advice.

One group he consulted with was the elders who had served his father Solomon. They advised him to be kind and seek to please the people so they would be loyal servants. Another group he sought advice from was the young men he had grown up with who told him to make the burden on the people even greater.

A glimpse of God’s ongoing purpose is given to us in this reading. For we have the ability to look back on history and know God’s ultimate plan. Jesus dying on the cross for our sins makes our burdens light and gives us the freedom to be loyal servants of His kingdom.

The Bible is God’s plan for our life and the cross answers our questions. Through the Holy Spirit, we gain insight in the direction we should take in life’s most difficult moments. We can lean upon God’s unlimited knowledge in the Bible, study and practice together, and let the Holy Spirit give directions to His way through prayer.

Prayer is our greatest power! This day with God can be terrific because when we talk to Him in prayer, we receive counsel to plan the right course of action for the day so tasks are accomplished.

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The Bible

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – stpatselkhorn.org

Last week, we started our fall series “The Bible” at the church I worship. Here’s a video that opened our series last weekend: The Bible. The Bible mini-series on TV this past spring was very successful because there is a hunger for spiritual growth. We get a call on our cell phones or a text and we want to read it but do we as readily answer the call from God or read His text which is the Bible.
 

The following poem was inspired by last week’s sermon message: 

Faith IS 

Faith is continuing to believe
Even when I can’t see my way.
Let God Initiate instructions
He will not lead astray.

Faith is listening
When God is saying something.
Keep on listening and going.
God comes through – just keep on coming.

Faith is being sure
Of God’s assurance.
He gives us covenants
All we need is endurance.

Faith is obeying when
I don’t understand.
The Cross is one example
I know off hand.

Faith is persisting when
We want to quit.
God keeps His promise
We just need to commit.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 9-15-2013

At this link: Pastor’s Podcast, you can listen to each message. The podcast can also be used for Bible study material or small group discussion.

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Discover Your Gifts

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Mark Shields

God gave Solomon the gift of wisdom. Kings from all over the earth gave him resources for the chance to visit and learn. List the gifts God has given you and think of ways you can use your gifts. Spend a few minutes of reflection while listening to this video: In The Garden – Norm Hastings.



You provide a spark and have something special to offer. Hold strong the mission God has for you and ask in prayer each day for God to show you His plan for your life. Be confident in the body of Christ because even our weakest link becomes strong through our Savior.

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Gift of Wisdom

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Mark Shields

Solomon used God’s gift of wisdom to lead Israel into a prosperous time. As explained in 2 Chronicles 9:13-31, he accumulated gold, silver, and a fleet of trading ships. He received gifts from those who sought to learn from him including weapons, spices, and horses. He ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt (v 26).

Are there examples of people you can think of that are using God’s gifts today? Make a list and share with others.

Photo Credit – ecc4.wordpress.com

Another idea is to develop the practice of taking some time like ten minutes at the end of your day to review and record how God worked in your day and consider how He wants to use these experiences to help others. Not everyone can do great things but all of us can do small things in a great way.

This day with God will be amazing because we have the opportunity to go to Him in prayer which is our greatest power. In prayer, we are speaking to the ONE who already has the answer. As we have a prayer time today, focus on the thought that there is no association between wealth and enjoyment. It is the joy we find in our Savior that brings us to a place where we find rest for the soul and the help needed in remaining true to keeping God first in all we do.

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