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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.

Signs in the Clouds (blessedaaron08.wordpress.com)
What Is God’s Glory? (pastorltd.wordpress.com)
Keepin’ It Real: My Thoughts on Life and Death (ministryinwords.wordpress.com)
Unleashing the glorious inner you!!!! (divinelygrafted.wordpress.com)
To God Be The Glory (dianasymons.com)

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Christianity, first united methodist church, Glory, God, HolySpirit, Jesus, Pentecost | Leave a comment

Solid Footing

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Mark Shields

Some days, it’s hard to get our footing just like in this video:

Doggy Wakes Up From a Nap and What He Does is Hilarious

Going to God when I first awake puts me on solid footing that keeps me upright and steady. He will give assurance during my walk to keep me upright even in a slippery secular society that many times keeps us sliding in all directions.

Remember that the script of our life is written with a pencil. God has the eraser. He is there to help us make the needed adjustments if we get off course. So like in yesterday’s post, Go For It!

Weekly Letter #20 Kingdom Thinking Part 6 (dean74blog.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Christianity, God, Religion and Spirituality, Secularism | Leave a comment

Go For It

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Mark Shields

When difficulties and dangers are greatest, the psalmist in Psalm 121 gets comfort and help from the Lord. The Lord protects from harm throughout life. Never going off duty day or night, He protects from the heat of everyday issues and He guards us in the darkness of a secular society that secretly tries to kill the soul. As we journey away from dangerous places to safe places and into eternity, we can rest assured that the creator of the cosmos is in full control of our body, soul, and mind.

God is big enough to be a sufficient helper. As we face deadlines at work, He makes sure obstacles are removed. As we handle crisis situations with family, He is the wisest counselor. As we struggle with health issues, there is comfort in knowing He is the great physician. As we face schedules that wear us down, He provides the stamina to never give up. All we have to do is go to Him in prayer and our issues are resolved in His perfect timing.

This day with God will be amazing as we notice the sun come up providing food and energy for every living thing. Then in the evening, we will notice the moon and be amazed that someone has actually walked on it and returned back to earth. Yes, we can be amazed at the cycles of each and every day, each and every season, and each and every decade and look forward to the dawn of improved tomorrows.

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 120 – 123 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
How Do You Pray When Overwhelmed? (callforfireseminar.wordpress.com)
Psalm 12:6 – And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, (church4u2.wordpress.com)
The Bible: meaning in poetic form (kathybrasby.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Christ, dangerous places, God, Jesus, Lord, poetic form, Psalm, psalm 121, Religion and Spirituality, spirituality | 2 Comments

Touched with Something Different

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Mark Shields

From reading Psalms 120, the strategy is to overcome evil with good. There are many battles we face in life and the main source is sin. We face wars, bullies, and those that use deceit and lies to bring others down.

The best strategy is to do things right, pray for advice, listen, and follow the will of God. We were touched with something different because of Christ. He made things straightforward so there are no more complicated laws and rules but a much easier path to follow.

Because of Christ, hope gives optimism in a time of despair and faith gives courage in time of doubt. His love brought victory in a time of hate. To give a lift for your day, here’s a video about what God has given us through Christ: Amazing Grace (Acapella) – LeAnn Rimes.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. – 1 Peter 1:18-19

Reflections… a Scripture verse and inspiration for daily living [5/17] (riverrunchurch.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection – Psalm 120 – 123 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
1 Peter 1:17-21 (jessicahof.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Blood of Christ, Christ, First Epistle of Peter, God, LeAnn Rimes, Peter, precious blood, Psalm, psalm 120, time of despair | Leave a comment

Overcome Evil with Good

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Mark Shields

The psalmist in Psalm 120 was put in a bad situation because someone was lying about him and he needed the Lord’s help. This psalm was probably written by David when on the run from King Saul and he sought help through prayer.

Those that want power and control bring about this desire for war and not peace. Take a look at the fighting that goes on between religions and how they make those that do not believe in their specific form of faith a pariah. Sometimes the battle is a negative culture being pushed on people like a cancer on an otherwise healthy society. The problem is sin but the answer is God’s Son who paid the price.

Photo Credit : specialgathering.wordpress.com

Let us follow this example of David as presented in today’s passage and go to the Lord in prayer when in distress. Let us depend on the Him to take on our battles so that evil is overcome with good. When facing our enemies, let’s ask the Lord to provide for our needs and protect us until things are made right in His timing.