Mercy Helps

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Mark Shields

In Psalm 123, the psalmist is going through problems. In previous post a while back as I journeyed through Ezra and Nehemiah, there were plots to stop the rebuilding of God’s house and the wall around Jerusalem. Just like back then, we have enemies that are against us today. What type of attitudes should we have when working through these problems?

The psalmist gives us some ideas in today’s passage which include asking for mercy, for help against enemies, and for endurance to keep going. In prayer, we can continue to seek God’s help and direction on a daily basis. The world will try to trick and deceive but God has what we truly need which is mercy.

Sometimes we have difficulties or get off track and that’s where mercy helps; God gives mercy as Jesus said in Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing”.  Jesus returned God’s kindness to those against Him. Jesus broke the cycle of the past by actively offering love and peace instead of revenge. Letting go of the past, God offers mercy to all and that’s when a new life of adventure begins.

I really enjoy growing in the Lord with you and sharing videos that hopefully bless and uplift. I’d like to share this video about mercy: That’s Where Mercy Begins – Steve Green.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. – Isaiah 13:18

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Rewards of Worship

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Mark Shields

In my reading and study of Psalm 122, I found that the psalmist wants to explain to us the tremendous need for a place to worship. Some of the rewards of God include joy, peace, and prosperity. A time of worship is so rewarding because the lessons learned are so precious.

The Word of God, sermon messages, and music are filled with nuggets of gold. The New Testament is a collection of the most joyful books of the world. Like in the reading of Psalm 122 as the people would come to Jerusalem three times a year for festivals, we need to pause along the journey of life to celebrate progress and reward. They used these celebrations to build stepping stones to their future battles and so can we.

The simple things in life that God gives can brighten our life more than the great occasions that cost so much. We can continuously celebrate our Creator on a daily basis with each sunrise or sunset.  We can celebrate each season as the flowers appear in the countryside and the meadows become flush with new green grass. Millions of people hand over billions of dollars and much of their time each year on things that provide very little impact on their life. Yet, just a little time with God can have an effect on life beyond measure.

This day with God will be amazing if we just realize that we are blessed and others are blessed because of the impact of our faith. Here’s a video to praise and celebrate today: O Praise Him – David Crowder Band.

 

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. – Psalm 100:1-2

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Worship is Rewarding

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Mark Shields

Continuing my journey as I read in Psalm 122,  I see that the psalmist is ready, cheerful, and excited when going to God’s house. Jerusalem is described as packed in like a church should be in holy love and Christian communion. The people look forward with enthusiasm to coming to Jerusalem three times a year for the great religious festivals.

The psalmist in this writing wants to get across the benefits of providing a place to worship God so brothers, sisters, and friends are ready to take on the challenges of life. God’s house should be the main event, the place to go to. He wants people to know that God has plans for His people to prosper, to be safe, have hope and a very bright future.

Like the psalmist in today’s passage, make it a point to pray for others. Pray for those you would like to see come to Christ. Pray for churches around the world that their members are unified to take on the enemy. With enthusiasm, praise the Creator and be thankful.

Here’s a link to a poem I wrote recently about being thankful: Thank you God.

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Ascribe to the Lord – Psalm 29:1-3

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Mark Shields

Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
   Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
   Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
   The God of glory thunders,
The Lord thunders over the mighty waters. 

In all that you do, give God the glory. Live for Him and glorify Him with your talents and gifts; all that you do for your family and in your career. Here’s a video about handing things over to God and taking it to a new level: Steal My Show – TobyMac.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. – Luke 14:11

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The Glory of God

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Mark Shields

A new series called “Isn’t It Amazing” was presented this past weekend at the church I attend. We are taking a look at some of the basics of our faith … this week the message is titled “The Glory of God”. The sermons can be listened to or watched by clicking on the link called Pastor’s Podcast on the page at this link: First United Methodist Church Waco.

Below is an outline of the message. The words in black were prepared by the church staff and the words in blue were notes I included as I listened.

To God be the Glory. God’s glory gives weight, power, and significance to our own life. 

1. Give yourself completely to God. 

   Exodus 40:34-35 – God’s goodness filled the whole tent 

   Luke 2:9 – God’s power is fearsome 

   Romans 3:23 – We are cut off from God’s glory because of sin 

We sometimes want to accumulate glory for ourselves but that never works. Glory is the by-product of a glorious God. 

2. Love God as God has loved you. 

John 1:14 – God’s Word became human and lived among us 

1 Peter 4:11 – God is Big Enough to help us in any situation 

We reflect God’s glory into the world by how we help others during times of difficulty 

3. Obey God’s Word consistently. 

 John 17:1-10 – Before Jesus died, he prayed this prayer out of His obedience to God 

4. Reach out to people like Jesus did 

 2 Corinthians 3:18 – Everybody loves to be praised. God made us for affirmation. 

2 Corinthians 4:15 – Our desire for fame is a parody of what God made us to be 

5. Yoke with other believers 

2 Corinthians 9:13 – We glorify God in our gifts, our songs, our worship, and gatherings 

1 Corinthians 10:31 – Give glory to God in all you do.  

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the church. There was a mighty wind and fire. God was so glorious and people reflected that glory because they were spirit-filled. This reminded me of a poem I wrote recently about the events leading up to and on the day of Pentecost at this link: Spirit-Filled.

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