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The Songs of Christmas – Simeon’s Song

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Mark Shields

We are exploring the songs of those who were touched by Christ on the first Christmas in a message series called “The Songs of Christmas” at First United Methodist Church Waco. We are learning how their Christmas songs can help us find the Christ of Christmas.

I would like to invite you to watch the podcast at this link. Below is an outline of the message titled “Simeon’s Song”.

1. WAITING WITH PROMISE.

“The Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be pregnant. She will have a Son, and she will name Him Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14 (NCV)

2. WAITING WITH POSSIBILITY.

“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 (NLT)

3. WAITING WITH PREPARATION.

“Now there was a man named Simeon who lived in Jerusalem. He was a righteous man and very devout.” – Luke 2:25 a, b (NLT)

4. WAITING WITH PURPOSE.

“He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he eagerly expected the Messiah to come and rescue Israel.” – Luke 2:25 c, d (NLT)

5. WAITING WITH PATIENCE.

“The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” – Luke 2:26 (NLT)

6. WAITING WITH POWER.

“Joseph and Mary were amazed at what was being said about Jesus. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, ‘This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But He will be the greatest joy to many others.’ ” – Luke 2:33-34 (NLT)

The Purpose Of Christmas Week 1 – Celebration (fumcoutofthebox.com)
Day 337 – Make room for more (mysketchbookjournal.wordpress.com)

Posted in Sermon Outline | Tagged Christ, Christmas, Christmas Songs, Holy Spirit, Immanuel, Jesus, Luke, Patience, Podcast, Possibility, Power, Preparation, Promise, Purpose, Simeon | 1 Comment

He Can Get Us Through This

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Mark Shields

Yesterday, I posted about James 1:1-15. During the time James wrote his letter there was tremendous difficulty but he was determined to communicate how God could get them through this. When trials come our way, we need to see it as a time to go to God for help. James explained the need to hold on to the hope God gives and here’s a video that inspires this attitude James is writing about: There Will Be a Day Video Devotional – Jeremy Camp.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. – Romans 5:3

Perseverance (mychristiancoffeeshop.wordpress.com)
Perseverance for Success (maddmedic.wordpress.com)

Posted in James | Tagged Bible, Character, Christianity, God, God’s Will, Help, Hope, hope god, James, Jeremy Camp, Jesus, Perseverance, religion, Religion and Spirituality, time james, Trials | Leave a comment

Problems Can Become Possibilities

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Mark Shields

At the time James wrote the letter in today’s passage, Christian communities in Rome, Alexandria, Cyprus, and cities in Greece and Asia Minor were going through much difficulty and even dying for their faith. The brother of Jesus in James 1:1-15 starts his letter to offer help in handling the trials they were going through. James explained the need to have joy, to know more about God, and surrender to His will.

I think about the trials the people during James’ time went through and the ones I go through; I’m sure the ones I go through do not come close to comparing. In my average day, a major obstacle faced is just not having enough time. Another one is setting priorities on the task and doing what is most important. Working in information systems as a career, there are many problems that need to be handled and it’s hard knowing which one to deal with first.

Some have the ability to look at problems in unique ways. All the champions of sports, science, and medicine have a few traits in common. They make the impossible become possible because they see a problem and think of it as an opportunity. Isaac Newton didn’t see getting thumped on the head with an apple as a negative thing. It didn’t ruin his day but just the opposite; it inspired thought that ultimately led to the Universal Law of Gravitation. We now can communicate with each other around the world because of his law. Putting satellites in orbit are vital in telecommunications and gravity is the reason objects remain in orbit.

In your prayers today, ask for wisdom from God and have faith that He will help overcome the obstacles faced. Then a plan will be developed and decisions will be right.

We all face trials but most important is not letting them get us down. Each day with God can be amazing because of our faith in the possibilities God gives. Persistence like a stream of water eventually cuts into a rock and if we remain persistent at focusing on the possibilities God gives, we can cut into and go through any obstacle in the way.

Questions for Reflection – James 1-2 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
The Lost Get Found (stepintothecruz.wordpress.com)
Trials (stayinginstep.wordpress.com)
Visible Faith (compassiondave.wordpress.com)

Posted in James | Tagged Asia Minor, Christian, Cyprus, Difficulties, God, Greece, Isaac Newton, Jesus, Obstacles, Persistence, Possibilities, Priorities, Rome, Trials | 2 Comments

Questions for Reflection – James 1-2

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Mark Shields

I just finished a journey through the book of Malachi which gives a graphic picture of the closing period of the Old Testament history, showing that great reforms were needed to prepare the way for the coming Messiah. As a society and as individuals, we need to be honest with ourselves so we don’t limit God’s power but diagnose problem areas where we fall short so that His power can change where we need to change and new habits can be established that make us into the people God wants us to be.

We need to follow God’s ways with the help of life experiences and from His Word; reading with a purpose by learning lessons that can be applied to life. Every individual has tremendous value to God for He offers His saving grace in Christ for all who want a new start. We can use this gift to inspire generosity in us and help those in need by giving our time and resources.

The Old Testament ends with victory for those who believe and continue to honor God. While expecting His gracious promise to be fulfilled each day, let us be thankful, give our best effort, be disciplined, and care for our neighbors.

Now as I turn my attention to the study of the book of James, I will use the questions below to help focus on each passage. Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of these questions. 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.

James 1:1-15
Passage Lookup
Define trial. What trials do you meet most often? When? How do you usually handle them? What is the meaning you derive from the smile? Why should you consider a trial all joy? How will you handle temptations you meet today? Why?

James 1:16-27
Passage Lookup
What is the implanted Word? By what methods do you translate what you hear (sermons, Bible study, etc.) into action? Is there a common task you can start doing as if it were being done directly for Jesus?

James 2:1-13
Passage Lookup
What people or groups do you know that are favored? What reasons does James give that such partiality is absolutely wrong? What should be your standard for action?

James 2:14-26
Passage Lookup
Define faith and works. How are they related? By what works will you demonstrate your faith today? What common task would I be more motivated to do if I were doing them directly for Jesus?

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.

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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

God Speaks (verse4psalm37.wordpress.com)
God Provides an Answer (dailybibleplan.com)

Posted in James | Tagged Bible, Christ, Generosity, God, James, Jesus, Malachi, Messiah, Old Testament, Promise, Study Bible | 1 Comment

You Are Highly Favored

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Mark Shields

At First United Methodist Church Waco, we are currently in a sermon series that is exploring the “Songs of Christmas” and those who were touched by Christ on the first Christmas. Many times in life we face troubled or confusing times just like Mary and Joseph. By studying how they handled the situation, we can learn some good pointers to how we might respond in difficult times. Like Mary, we can understand that we are each highly favored in God’s eye. We can take things one step at a time and keep responding to God’s direction even when we don’t completely understand. Because of God’s favor, our attitude about each day is changed so that we desire to do our best as God’s man or woman. Even when it doesn’t look like we are getting anywhere as we sometimes perform mundane tasks, we can remain optimistic because there is faith that God will step in to change everything for the better. I would like to share this video and I hope it gives a lift for your day as we look toward Christmas: Breath of Heaven – Amy Grant.