Bringing Up To Date

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Mark Shields

Hi Everyone,

The message last weekend at my church was from Acts 8-9 and titled “The Church Had a Big Idea”.  A few points brought out in the sermon was that the incredible idea called the church is centered around a person. God birthed the idea through the event of Christ dying on the cross. Sharing this idea was worth any price. The apostles were beaten and whipped; Stephen was stoned to death for sharing this idea. Another point is how God can change people anywhere and anytime. The example of Saul (Paul) was given who persecuted Christians but then eventually boldly journeyed into the world to share how Christ died for us all.

Below are some links you might find interesting:
Lesson four on the sermon series “The Church”
FUMC Podcast – The Church Had A Big Idea
Blessed Be Your Name – Tree 63

Groundhog Day 2005 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Image via Wikipedia

January flew by and tomorrow is already Groundhog Day. Will Phil the groundhog (also called a woodchuck) see his shadow and return to his hole or not? If he does, we can expect six more weeks of winter. If not, he has predicted an early spring. Phil is wrong more than he’s right but hey, Michael Jordon missed more shots than he made. I like Phil because he keeps coming back year after year to give it his best shot. Anyway he’s more accurate than most weathermen. It’s too bad we can’t add to Phil’s work load; maybe prognosticating the economy or answering the age old question, how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

Have a great rest of the week,

Mark

Related articles
Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wanting God’s Help – Ezekiel 38

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Mark Shields

If we ask for God’s help to fulfill His purpose, will He give good visions, dreams, and plans? He did for Ezekiel and if He does for you, cherish them because they will be the blueprints to follow as you do His great work.   

Here is a link to a piano piece: In The Garden: Norm Hastings, Piano. Click this link if you wish as you read the rest of this post to help with focus and reflection.

After reading in Ezekiel 38, I’m continuing to think of Israel or God’s people as today’s universal church. It is foretold that the enemies of the church will unite as one; they will be organized, formidable, and have destruction as their main objective.

But we can be encouraged by the rest of what the Bible says and the history we know. With God, it doesn’t matter how frightening the enemy is because He is in control and will defeat them. He will deal with any situation because His weapons are greater than any man-made weapon.

My Pastor where I worship said once that if the things of God are your treasure, then you have all things. What drives us toward God? Why do we not ask Him more often for help? Think of the possibilities if we went to Him more. This day with God, let us pray that we are with Him and that we work hard to make sure His name is glorified.

Related articles
Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Accepting God’s Plan and Working Together – Ezekiel 37

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Mark Shields

Some situations in life seem impossible but God can pull us through. We just have to trust that He will set things up to make it happen. This video affirms that trust: How Great Is Our God – Chris Tomlin.

 
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 with more details.

The glue that holds us together is Christ and as a body of believers, we complement one another. Like a forest of trees whose root systems interlock to withstand storms, we support each other to withstand the storms of life.

Related articles
Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Praise and Honor God – Ezekiel 36

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Mark Shields

God makes use of the church to do great works like sending members on mission trips and community service. These activities give honor to God and many are able to observe His greatness.

In today’s reading of Ezekiel 36, God is concerned about the honor of His name. The enemy nations had plundered and ridiculed His people of Israel and now God is revealing his plan through Ezekiel to bring them down. God uses Israel to show the holiness of His great name. He gives His people a new heart and spirit so they can recognize His greatness, worship Him, and tell others.

Going to a praise and worship service is a great way to begin a work week. There is a sense of community and togetherness as you worship God together.  Also with YouTube and the Internet, each day can start by worshiping God together with praise and worship videos like this one: Revelation Song – Kari Jobe .
 

 
What an awesome God we serve. This day with God will be amazing! Today, I’m praying for consistently applying my faith with a new heart and spirit;  knowing that God is present and living in expectation of God’s gracious promise.

Related articles
Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Ezekiel 36 – 38 Questions for Reflection

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Mark Shields

Bible Study 2

A while back, I set out on a journey through the entire Bible. I want to thank each one of you who keep me accountable to this mission. If you or someone you know is searching for a daily reading plan to stay on track, I invite you to join me on this journey. If you already have your own Bible study guide, check in over the next few posts as I share some brief thoughts along the way. I’ll be using the questions below as I study each block of reading.

Ezekiel 36
Passage Lookup

What is God’s purpose in using Israel (verse 23)? To what extent does the church have a similar role to play in the world today? What does God give His people in order to change them?

Ezekiel 37
Passage Lookup

What “impossible” situation faces you? To what extent do you trust that God will pull you through the situation? What holds the church back from growing today?

Ezekiel 38
Passage Lookup

What do you learn about those that oppose God’s purpose or plan in chapter 37? How does God intend to deal with the situation? What weapons will be used? 

__________________________________________

A Bible study guide like “This Day with God” helps one to stay focused on Bible study. By praying and listening, God can help us plan the right things to do each day. We can also learn lessons from the Bible that will help in the future as we face the challenges at work, home, or school. Each day with God can be amazing when we understand that the problems we go through in life are not stop signs; they are guidelines and it is during tough times that He provides sure signs of a brighter future.

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

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments