Seek God with all Your Heart and Mind

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Mark Shields
English: The Ark Brought to Jerusalem by David...

English: The Ark Brought to Jerusalem by David, as in 2 Samuel 6:1-12, illustration from a Bible card published by the Providence Lithograph Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Reading in 1 Chronicles 15:1-16:6, the people of Israel were not seeking God the way they should and David wanted to do something about it so he prepared a place for the Ark of God (v. 1). He inquired of God and every detail was followed in how to bring the ark up in the prescribed way.

David wanted to be a good leader for his people and he understood the need for help from God. Placing the arc nearby would be a way to get his people closer to God and on the right path. Today we can depend on God’s mercy through the sacrifice of the Redeemer and He is present at all times to assist in everything we do.

The Levites were commissioned to bring the ark to Jerusalem (v. 12). They were to consecrate themselves in preparation for their task. David provided leadership by getting the heads of the Levitical families together and attending to all the details of the mission.

Like a worship service, there would be joyful songs and rejoicing as they brought the Ark of the Covenant to the place prepared for it (v. 28). David would wear a robe of fine linen. Once the Ark of God was set inside the tent David had pitched for it, he appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark; to give thanks, and to praise the Lord.

If we focus on the ONE that matters, He helps us organize and prioritize our day. Let us return daily with humbleness; seeking answers, removing distractions, and believing He is near. This day with God, I’m spending a few minutes in silence, putting away the cares and concerns and noise of the day, and listening for the Holy Spirit. I hope you will too. God is not distant but near and we should stay focused on His presence throughout the day.

 

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Unstoppable Cross

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Mark Shields

We started a sermon series called “Unstoppable” at First United Methodist Church Waco. The first message was titled “Unstoppable Cross” and can be watched at this link.

Jesus had a divine appointment to preach the Good News to the poor, proclaim that the captives will be set free, and the blind will see.

It was a dangerous assignment because He was going against powerful groups like Caesar’s Roman government, the Zealots, the Essenes, the Sadducees, and Pharisees.

Jesus went against the grain and broke a few outdated, useless regulations but was an honest teacher of God’s way who built a community of believers that continues to change the world.

We all can try to take what’s up there with God and bring down here to earth; putting it into our heart. When we are successful, we become dangerous to those against us because we are unstoppable.

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Strong Leaders

Posted on February 17, 2013 by Mark Shields

After reading 1 Chronicles 13-14, what is found is that David conferred with each of his officers, sought unity with his people and most of all inquired of God who goes before us to prepare the way; building up our life with positive principles found in His Word. Prayer, reflection, and action will develop strong leaders for better families, communities, and nations.

I really enjoy growing in the Lord with you and sharing videos that hopefully bless and uplift. I’d like to share this video that asks God for help in leading families. Just click here: Sanctus Real – Lead Me or on the video below to watch. God Bless! 🙂

 

For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. – Psalm 33:4

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Inquire of God

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Mark Shields
King David in Prayer

King David in Prayer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How does David make decisions? After reading 1 Chronicles 13-14 , what is found is that He Conferred with each of his officers, sought unity with his people, and most of all inquired of God. Delight in the law of the Lord. Like a tree near a stream of water, so is a person who is nourished by the Word.

David not only conferred with each of his officers but also with all the people on moving the Ark so it was near them.  It would not be an easy task over the rough terrain as they hauled the Ark on a cart. In fact, there was a mistake as Uzzah simply touched the Ark to steady it after an ox stumbled and it made God so angry that He struck down Uzzah.

David wanted to honor God in his kingdom so that his people would be blessed with His favor. David was not perfect and we are not perfect but today we can be thankful that because of Christ we can boldly come to His throne of grace at any time or any place when faced with decisions as leaders of companies, organizations, churches, families, or the groups we hang around.

David inquired of God when facing battles and God gave him instructions in how to carry out his battles. He paved the way for David as he simply followed the path to success. Even though David was not perfect, he did give us an example of one who had good leadership qualities. We may not be perfect either but we can give those that follow us a good example to go by so when they need to make decisions in their own life, they have a model to follow.

God is reliable in helping us make good choices. He goes before us to prepare the way; building up our life with positive principles found in His Word. Prayer, reflection, and action will build leaders for better families, communities, and nations. It’s up to each of us to take in what is good for our body and soul; leading others in the direction God would like us to go.

Prayer is our greatest power because God gives instructions. If we prepare by organizing our thoughts before prayer, God will help us crystallize them into good ideas and plans of action. This day with God, pray for the ability to lead others. You may be a church leader, a leader of a company or organization, or a leader within your family. Make a request to God for direction and a plan. Pray for good helpers to carry out the plan God gives. He helps us plan the right things for our day and things fall into place for an amazing day.

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Emboldened

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Mark Shields

As I read in 1 Chronicles 12, I took note of the fact that David couldn’t fulfill God’s purpose by himself so He provided him with warriors with specific skills to help. What skills do you have to make sure the church universal is built up throughout the world? You like me may lack some ability and struggle at catching sight of the big picture. All we need to do my brother and sister is know that it is Christ who strengthens. He carried the weight of the world on His shoulders and I know that He will carry each of us.

I heard a story once of a blind person who was born crippled and without eyes. He demonstrated tremendous musical skills early in life eventually becoming a member of the University of Louisville Marching Band with the help of his dad who pushed his wheel chair during half-time performances. His disabilities have become great abilities with the help of his father who worked the graveyard shift at UPS so he could be there being his eyes and legs. His name is Patrick Hughes and you can learn for about his inspiring story by clicking the video below or at this link.

My friend there are tremendous skills you have to offer for His Kingdom. You like me may not have all that is needed but like in the story above, we have a Father that is here to provide what we need. Take inspiration from Psalm 138:3.

When I called, you answered me: you greatly emboldened me.

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