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A Silent Night That Changed the World

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Mark Shields

At First United Methodist Church Waco yesterday, we finished the sermon series that explored the “Songs of Christmas”. The podcast can be watched by clicking this link: Silent Night Podcast and here is a video with lyrics: Silent Night with Lyrics.

In listening to the sermon, the song, and reviewing the podcast, below are some take aways for me.

Jesus was born in a crude stable and placed in a manger on a silent night but soon loud words would be spoken in His life that would spread to change the world. His mother was only around 16 years old but she responded by following God’s will. We all feel like we need to do big things for God but most of the time it is the modest, silent, and small actions we take that have the biggest impact. God wants us to simply be His servant by listening to His directions and following. If we say the words in bold below and believe them, our life will never be the same.

I AM THE LORD’S SERVANT; MAY IT BE TO ME AS YOU HAVE SPOKEN

When we do what God has for us, our life speaks for itself and is not so silent. The birth of Jesus on a silent night was a night that communicates God’s love for us. It is a night that sets us free; from hurts, worries, hopelessness, pain, and fear. It is a night that gives all a lift during dark times. It is a night that corrects the darkness with light through Jesus Christ and we all become a part of the light that reflects God’s love.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Mark

Songs of Christmas – Silent Night (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Scott Krippayne: Not So Silent Night (christianmusicmakers.com)

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Christianity, Christmas, Courage, Follow, Free, God, Hope, Jesus, Joy, Light, Love, Peace, Podcast, Religion and Spirituality, Servant, Silent Night, United Methodist Church | 4 Comments

Songs of Christmas – Silent Night

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Mark Shields

We have been exploring the songs of those who were touched by Christ that first Christmas in a message series called “The Songs of Christmas” at First United Methodist Church Waco. Their Christmas songs can help us find the Christ of Christmas and I would like to invite you to watch the podcast at this link. Below is an outline of the message titled “Silent Night”.

1. A NIGHT THAT COMMUNICATES.

Luke 2:10-13

2. A NIGHT THAT LIBERATES.

Luke 4:18

“So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.” John 8:36 (NLT)

3. A NIGHT THAT ELEVATES.

“He has taken princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly – Luke 1:52 (NLT)

“Jesus called out to them, ‘Come be My disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!'” – Matthew 4:19 (NLT)

4. A NIGHT THAT RADIATES.

John 1:4-9

5. A NIGHT THAT MOTIVATES.

Luke 1:38

Acts 1:14

Posted in Sermon Outline | Tagged Christ, Christianity, Christmas, Church, first united methodist, first united methodist church, Freedom, God, Jesus, Joy, Light, Peace, Podcast, Prayer, religion, Silent Night, United Methodist Church | 1 Comment

The Golden Rule

Posted on December 22, 2012 by Mark Shields

A lesson from yesterday’s reading of James 2:1-13 is that the Gospel law of liberty should ease social, economic, and racial barriers in a society. The “Golden Rule” of loving your neighbor as yourself is about accepting, appreciating, and affirming.

I once heard a story of a man who visited a church. He felt as though he was not accepted so he talked to God about it in prayer. God’s response was that it was okay; don’t feel bad or take it personal, they didn’t want me in the church either.

Here’s a video to inspire application of the “Golden Rule”: Someone Who Cares – Scott Krippayne.

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. – James 4:11

Rich in Faith (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in James | Tagged Acceptance, Affirmation, Appreciation, brothers and sisters, God, Golden Rule, Gospel, human-rights, James, Lessons, Liberty, Neighbor, prayer god, racial barriers, religion, Religion and Spirituality, Scott Krippayne, Society | 2 Comments

Rich in Faith

Posted on December 21, 2012 by Mark Shields

The Golden Rule (Photo credit: Burkazoid)

Think of people or groups that are favored by the world. Those wearing fine clothes, the pretty people on the outside, those with nice cars, and those that live in nice neighborhoods. In James 2:1-13, we are told that such partiality is absolutely wrong. James tells us that God has chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and inherit the kingdom He promised those who love him (v. 5). The right way to live and the standard for our actions are to follow the golden rule, “To love your neighbor as yourself” (v. 8).

The Gospel law of liberty gives freedom to everyone. We are to alleviate barriers or obstacles people face by accepting, appreciating, and affirming everyone that lives by the “Golden Rule”. All Christians share a common father so respect all people because God loves them. We are not to respect others because of mere outward circumstances and appearances. We shouldn’t favor the rich and look down on the poor or accept only those with our same skin color or only the strong and healthy rather than the disabled.

As you go throughout each day, be aware of simple things you can do that will make a big difference to help others get over the barriers that stand in their way? Here’s a video to illustrate how we can apply today’s lesson: Ducklings Get Just What They Need.

Success is not fancy cloths, cars, and homes but discipline and inner peace. If you are tempted to judge others this day with God, be reminded that everyone has tremendous value in His eyes.

It’s alright to be right, but it’s nice to be nice. (ashleyblyth.wordpress.com)
Words of Jesus – The Golden Rule (burningfireshutinmybones.wordpress.com)
Not My Issue! (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)

Posted in James | Tagged Acceptance, Affirmation, Appreciation, Christian, Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, God, Golden Rule, Gospel, human-rights, James, Liberty, Love, Neighborhoods, politics, religion, Religion and Spirituality, Respect, Society | 3 Comments

Pressing On With Eternal Reward

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Mark Shields

We need POWER to win the inner battles of our soul and when Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He gave us that POWER. We can be connected to the POWER source by attaching God’s principles to what we read, write, study, listen to, and watch. When we apply our faith in this way, we are building spiritual muscle. I call it Pressing On With Eternal Reward or POWER. Here is a powerful video for your day with God: What Can I Do – Paul Baloche.