What’s Happening in My Part of the World

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Mark Shields
English: Stain Glass Window

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The message last weekend at my church was from Acts 15:1-20 and titled “The Church Lost Its Way”. The early church grew and there were some growing pains as they struggled with whom should be accepted in. They were lost in who God intended the church to be for and what came first; the law or grace.

One example within the message points out that grace should come first. The illustration laid out was the baseball star named Josh Hamilton who had a relapse last week with alcohol. He was photographed drinking at a restaurant in Dallas last week and confessed to the relapse. Years ago, he was suspended from the league because of alcohol and drug issues but for the last few years he’s had a transformation which has been a major part of the comeback in his career. In interviews, he’s talked about how important faith has been in getting his life in order.

The secular world didn’t have anything to offer except criticism and judgment. The media was all over him but the body of Christ was offering encouragement and help. Here’s a picture of the news conference where he was confessing of the relapse. At this link you can see that he is wearing a wrist band. On the wrist band are the words “God is Big Enough” inscribed on it; an idea started by my Pastor Steve Ramsdell and also spread by his twin brother Mike Ramsdell who is the Pastor of a church in a suburb of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

The idea is that God is big enough to help us through any situation. Hundreds of thousands of these wrist bands have been given out as a way to share faith. Many examples have been given of people going through hard times and receiving these wrist bands from believers who are offering encouragement. It’s a gift to let those going through treatment for cancer, going through a major surgery, the loss of a job, etc. that they are being prayed for.

Below are some interesting and inspiring links you may want to check out:
Podcast – The Church Had A Big Idea
Lesson five on the sermon series “The Church”
Search Me Lord – Gaither Vocal Band

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Attention to Every Detail – Ezekiel 41

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Mark Shields

The pastor, author, and educator Charles Swindoll once said, “The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail.” In building anything, it takes some vision, planning, and decision making. Whether it’s building a house, a skyscraper, or a winning team, attention to every detail is important.

In the last chapter, Ezekiel received a tour of the courts and now in Ezekiel 41, he gets a detailed tour of the temple. As I read today, I’m imagining his emotions as he is given this exclusive tour; the awe with which he looks at these rooms or the intricate detail like in the carvings of cherubim and palm trees. In further research, I found that a cubit is around 20 inches.

In reviewing history, the first Temple was built by King Solomon in 957 BC but was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The passage today is the vision of the second Temple which was built at the same location on the Temple Mount of the old city of Jerusalem around 538 BC after the exiles returned. It dominated the skyline of the city for centuries.

In Matthew 2, Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple which came about during the Roman siege of Jerusalem around 70 AD. Jesus also taught that we are the Temple of God and that His Spirit lives in each of us. In building this day with God, know that in you is the Holy Spirit; pray without ceasing by conversing with God while shopping, driving, working, or whatever task you do. Here is a video to inspire a great day with God: Sanctus Real – The Redeemer .

 

 
Today my prayer is to enjoy the amazing presence of God in everything I do.

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Envisioning the Possibilities – Ezekiel 40

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Mark Shields

Leading up to the vision given in Ezekiel 40, the homeland of the Israelites had been destroyed and they’ve gone through years of exile. Healing needs to take place but what can start this process?  Vision and dreams can help get started in the right direction but it is taking action that restores and builds. Momentum is gained by envisioning the possibilities and looking forward to what God will do; for a nation, a community, a family, or to as individuals.

The newly hopeful exiles have questions which arise about how the new society will be constructed in its worship, culture and government. In any healing process, prayer is so important and prayers for a place of worship is a good start to the healing process; giving hope to many.

Even today, in our own society, there are broken homes, broken jobs, issues with heath care and the economy but all things work out for those that believe in the Lord. God will bless if there is prayer, if there is encouragement, and if more and more become a part of God’s healing process. May you be blessed by this video: Blessings – Laura Story.


This day with God, think about your neighborhood, community, and nation. See in your mind a preferred future and envision the possibilities. In part of your prayer today, ask God for insight into how you can play your part and the plans He has in your life to make a difference.

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God’s Purpose in Adversity – Ezekiel 39

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Mark Shields

After reading Ezekiel 39, it makes you wonder why God allows situations to develop into such a mess. What is His ultimate purpose and how do we understand that purpose?

Billy Graham once said, “Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has”.  Adversity does build character and it is times of adversity that many come to God for a solution. The Bible tells us of our problem of sin and that the solution is in Christ. Our purpose then should be to make sure the whole world hears about it. My hope is that this video provides a little inspiration for your day: Until the Whole World Hears – Casting Crowns .

Today’s reading has made me think about our disappointments. Many times, we can be disappointed but we must maintain faith that there is something better ahead. No matter what happens in life, God loves us and that is all that matters. This day with God, be thankful that we can pray to a powerful God and that because of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is with us to help make the needed adjustments along the journey.
 

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Ezekiel 39 – 41 Questions for Reflection

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Mark Shields

The Super Bowl is this Sunday. Think of all the planning that goes into this event with so much enthusiasm.  Companies pay millions to advertise on television and people spend tons of money for food and parties. I often wonder why there is not as much excitement each Sunday at church or this much enthusiasm about reading God’s word.

The thing about a football game is that one side wins and one side loses. The great thing about going to church or studying God’s Word is that everyone wins.

Over the next few posts, I’ll be reading, answering the questions, reflecting, and writing a few thoughts on the blocks of reading below. Check in over the next few days to see if there are any nuggets of gold to share with others.

Ezekiel 39
Passage Lookup

In view of the extent of God’s victory over his enemy, what purpose does God have in allowing the situation to develop to such proportions? What is God’s ultimate purpose for Israel (See verse 29 with 36:27; 37:14)? How will the nations learn the whole story of his purpose?

Ezekiel 40
Passage Lookup

How does Ezekiel, as priest and prophet of the temple’s ruin, see and speak of the new temple? What provision is made for sacrifice? For those who minister in the temple?

Ezekiel 41
Passage Lookup

How many inches is a cubit? What areas of the temple does Ezekiel see now? What is the purpose of a temple to God? How are you like a temple to God?

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Each day, we have a chance to journey through life and share the nuggets of gold found in the Bible, from each other, and our experiences. The nugget may be in the form of an inspirational video, a photo, a post, a sermon point, or a favorite Bible verse.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978

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