Words that Nourish the Soul

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Mark Shields

Like soft sweet grapes that are food for our physical body, our words should nourish the soul of others with a softness, kindness, and encouragement. Be gentle with your words by offering helpful and encouraging words.

What I took away from reading and writing about 2 Chronicles 30 is that leaders can make a big difference when they show respect to their people and support opportunities for spiritual nourishment. One example to follow is Hezekiah in verses 18-22 who prayed for others and offered encouragement. 

A major part of the Christian journey is walking alongside others and receiving the spiritual nourishment needed. We have the opportunity each day to read blogs that offer words of encouragement and conversation from friends all over the world. This video is about what words can do and the hope that our words will nourish souls: Words – Hawk Nelson. 



May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. – Psalm 19:14

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Invite and Encourage

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Mark Shields

As described in 2 Chronicles 30, Hezekiah had a role in the kingdom’s changing attitudes. He wrote a letter to invite others to celebrate the Passover. He encouraged the people to return to the Lord but many scorned and ridiculed the offer (v.10). The lesson we can take away is that even if many will not accept what we write or say in a time of faithlessness and spiritual bankruptcy, some will accept and join in so go for it – we have nothing to lose.

Life may not seem fair at times but if we make choices that honor God, we will end up victorious. Like Hezekiah, we can reach out with messages of encouragement and share about the joy that only God can make happen.

Photo from Google Images

This day with God will be amazing. He is the creator of the universe with over 100 billion galaxies with each galaxy having billions of stars but it is His people that are His greatest creation of all. Let us pray then to treat everyone with great respect, kindness, and encouragement.

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Refuse Not to Move

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Mark Shields

The people of Judah could have sat around and refused to do anything but with the leadership of a new king named Hezekiah as recorded in 2 Chronicles 29, they refused not to move. Instead they chose to move toward God. Here’s a video about refusing not to move and caring about others: I Refuse – Josh Wilson.


Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it. – Hebrews 4:16

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Where Everything Begins

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Mark Shields

It all begins with God. Bring things before Him and everything has a way of falling into place. Put the things of God as the number one priority and you are well on your way to producing successful outcomes.

We discover this viewpoint in the priority of the next king named Hezekiah as recorded in 2 Chronicles 29 who was to open the doors of the temple of the Lord and repair them (v. 3). The first step required of the Levites and priests was to make themselves and the temple of the Lord Holy so they removed everything that was unclean from the sanctuary.

They were eager to get to work since they knew that they had neglected their relationship with the Lord and had served other gods. This had caused God’s anger to be taken out on Judah with losses in war and its people were taken captive. They were ready to come back to the Lord after a time away and followed the instruction for rededication with burnt offerings and sacrifices. Then there was great rejoicing for the service of the temple of the Lord was reestablished (v.35).

During the time of Hezekiah, the temple had to be repaired and made Holy. In the New Testament, we learn that we are a Spiritual Temple in 1 Corinthians 3:16 “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you”?

Because of Jesus, we are the temple and the journey with Jesus begins with a decision; a decision to grow and pray. It is a great adventure that can make a difference for a long time.  We must refuse to give up, continue to work, to pray, to think, to believe, and to share with others.  What we share may not sink in at first but we must keep sharing anyway and some day, what we share like seeds will take root. There will be growth, health, and a flower will blossom for the world to see.

Photo from Google Images

This day with God, make sure you have a Holy space. It may be as small as a breath taken in prayer or as large as a cathedral, or as expansive as a mountain view. Set aside a place for prayer, reflection, and listening to God.

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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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