Building a Strong Kingdom

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Mark Shields

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

Amaziah wanted to build a strong kingdom. Recorded in 2 Chronicles 25, he executed the officials who had murdered his father the king, added troops to his army, went to war, and faced off with the king of Israel. He sought advantage through his army but did not comprehend the guaranteed strength and security benefit of being disciplined in the ways of God.

Amaziah did go to war and did have some success but his pride would eventually bring about destruction. He was only halfhearted about God’s way; he didn’t listen to advice from those most likely to help and eventually totally turned away from God. Instead, he sought the gods of Edom.

Jehoash king of Israel attacked Amaziah king of Judah and Judah was routed. From the time Amaziah turned away from following the Lord, there was a conspiracy against him so he fled to Lachish but men were sent after him and he was killed (V. 27).

The lesson in the life of Amaziah is to understand the power of God to give advantage by believing, following, and obeying the ONE who gives rise to brighter tomorrows.

Related articles
Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Worship Service Update 11-3-2013

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – http://www.crossoflifelc.com

Last weekend, we started 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, Name Your Idols”. Anything we put before God is an idol. Money, job, family, and food can be our idols. It’s important to know what they are so we know what may be taking our focus from God. Below is a poem inspired by the message.

First – Name Your Idols
God provides meaning to our life
So let’s give Him our total devotion.
Put Him first before our stuff;
Even before family or job promotion.

Let’s pattern our life after God’s Word.
Like a magnet attracts steel
So are our thoughts to His Word.
Now that’s a big deal.

Let’s be rich towards Him;
Having a generous heart,
Being a powerful witness,
And doing our part.

Let’s get a heart check;
Checking where the money will go,
Knowing how to use our time,
And helping others to grow.

If you are not able to attend your local church service today (traveling, health condition, etc.), I invite you to a podcast of the church I attend. This morning, we continue the sermon series with a message titled “First, Be Willing to Wait”.

Related articles
Posted in Worship Service Update | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Chronicles 25-30

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Mark Shields

The recent study using questions for reflection for study of 2 Chronicles 20-24 has been completed and I’ve found that there is strength and security in God’s Word. He is the ONE who gives rise to brighter tomorrows.

It’s important to put ourselves in a good position so that success is possible. In reading 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah sought God and ask for help. The benefit was that they were in a position with the clear advantage. 

Let us set our hearts upon being the best we can be and get inspired by what God has done and will continue to do. Faith gives courage to win spiritual battles. One side wins and one side looses so let’s be sure we are on the side of God pushing for others to join His team.

As God leads us to lead others, let’s lead big lives by cherishing our visions, having big dreams, and fighting for these dreams in a big way. Let’s invest in others by helping them know that the things of God are worth more than any treasure.

There was a common objective in 2 Chronicles 23. The plan was to get a new king so the continuance of the line of David would be assured. It took planning, organization and teamwork. Like the nails that hold a house together, every person with the common purpose of holding together the things of God is important because they equally build up a strong faith that can endure the storms.

A major project is carried out during the reign of Joash in 2 Chronicles 24 and this glorifies the Lord. Over and over again, history tells us that being with God is the best way. Whenever God is neglected by a leader, followers are led over the precipice and into a deep abyss. If leaders pay attention to God, everyone is in a better position for success. On the other hand, if leaders pay attention to the world, followers are placed in a position of stress and confusion.

It’s good to ask questions and seek answers because in so doing, we have a better chance to go where we want to go. We find and stay on the right path through lessons found in the bible and from others that have already found the clear path to victory. 

The next part of the travel will take me to 2 Chronicles 25-30. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about the journey and will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.

Photo Credit – http://amplifierhub2.caringbridge.org/blogs

2 Chronicles 25
How does Amaziah seek to strengthen his position as king (vv. 3, 5-6, 11-12, 17, 20-21)? How does Amaziah’s death come about? Who are involved? What practical choices will I make today in order to grow closer to God?

2 Chronicles 26-27
What is the most important factor in the growth of Uzziah’s power (26:5, 7, 15)? Think about how faith was a factor in success for both Uzziah and Jotham. How is faith a major factor in your own life and goals?

2 Chronicles 28
What specific acts demonstrate Ahaz’s faithlessness to the Lord (vv. 1-4, 16, 21-25? What is the result of the king’s sin, and in what way does it affect the lives of all the people? How can I stay focused on God’s presence, especially when he feels distant?

2 Chronicles 29
What is Hezekiah’s first priority as he takes the throne in Judah? What first step is required of the Levites and priests? Has the Lord ever helped you come back to him after a time away? If so, what was your emotional response to the renewal of fellowship?

2 Chronicles 30
What is Hezekiah’s role in the kingdom’s changing attitudes? What can you learn from him about living in a time of faithlessness and spiritual bankruptcy? Note King Hezekiah’s sensitivity to people in verse 22. Can you follow his example this week?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ. 

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

__________________________________________ 

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times

Related articles
Posted in 2 Chronicles, Questions for Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Community Service

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Mark Shields

This past week, there were several opportunities for me to be involved in community service. Last Saturday night,  our community held the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life  and at work this week, we started the United Way campaign.

In memory of my mom, my immediate family, neighbors, and my brother and sisters dedicated Luminary candles. If you, a family member, or friend has been impacted by cancer, please consider dedicating a Luminary candle in honor or memory of someone. Here is a link to help you take action now: Dedicate a Luminaria candle.

???????????????????

Relay for Life in Waco Texas – Saturday 10-26-2013

Another great organization is the United Way. They have a mission to advance the common good through education, income, and health. I went to a rally Wednesday held by John Key, local Executive Director of Economic Opportunities Advancement Corp (EOAC). He talked about programs that allow low-income parents to afford the reliable child care they need and provide at-risk children with the early learning experiences they need for success in school and life.

Issues with the economy, health, and education are major obstacles to the advancement of the common good. As a society, we have to deal with things like cancer, heart disease, and poverty. We must keep our outlook bright. Here is a poem I recently wrote that emphasizes how important faith is as we face these challenges: The Clear Advantage.

Related articles
Posted in Community Service | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Leadership Way

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Mark Shields

Being a good leader is about making the right choices, taking in the right information, and getting the right help from those that are around them. After reading 2 Chronicles 24, Joash did some good when Jehoiada was alive and helping make decisions but once Jehoiada died, we read about a completely different king; a king that believed in the world rather than in God.

Over and over again, history tells us that being with God is the best way. Whenever God is neglected by a leader, followers are lead over the precipice and into a deep abyss. If leaders pay attention to God, everyone is prepared for the world. If leaders pay attention to the world, followers become stressed and confused. To give a lift to the day, here’s a song about returning to the Lord: Matt Redman – Come Let Us Return to the Lord.


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

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments