Podcast – The Church was Bold

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Mark Shields

The readings this past week of Ezekiel 33-35 in my devotional fits in perfectly with the sermon series that the Pastors at my place of worship are currently presenting. There is boldness when we follow God’s plan. The type of boldness the leaders lacked around 600 BC during the writing of Ezekiel. Unfortunately, the lessons haven’t been learned and many of the same issues the people went through back then are still being dealt with today.

The message last weekend from Acts 5 was titled “The Church Was Bold”. Some of the main points brought out in the sermon message were the following: 

  • They were afraid, but they were present
  • They were present and obeyed
  • Because they obeyed they were empowered
  • When they were empowered that’s when they became bold
  • In their boldness they began the movement we call the church

In Acts 5, the apostles healed many when the Holy Spirit came upon them only weeks after Jesus’ resurrection. They were highly regarded by the people. In fact, about 10% of the people in Jerusalem had become Christ followers even though there was no building. Then the high priest and his associates were filled with jealousy so they had the apostles arrested.

The apostles were afraid but the Holy Spirit gave them power. When they obeyed the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they were empowered and became bold enough to begin the movement we know today as the church.

Below are some links you might find interesting:
Lesson three on the sermon series “The Church”
http://www.fumcwaco.org/lesson3.html
Sermon Podcast
http://www.fumcwaco.org/pod.html
I hope you will be blessed by this video
Courageous – Casting Crowns

Let us be courageous together,

Mark

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Learning From History – Ezekiel 35

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Mark Shields
Center of Yountville

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Life is about choices and better choices are made because of lessons learned from the past. It’s up to us to know what’s going on around us and to take in what’s good for our mind, body, and soul.

My thoughts today are being made after reading Ezekiel 35. You may want to click on this beautiful piano piece as you read this post: In The Garden: Norm Hastings, Piano . Also at this link is more about Edom.

After reading Ezekiel 35, my thoughts are about how God identifies with Israel. They are His people who were led out of Egypt into a land that was prosperous. Over time, they didn’t pay total attention to Him but God has always shown mercy and been patient with them. Because I have read, heard, and observed what has played out in history, today I believe the universal church is God’s people. He identifies with believers in Christ and I believe He wants what is best for His people.

This day with God will be amazing because there are things we can learn from history that will help in making decisions. 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. Christ being raised from the dead is a sure sign my friend.

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Adversity and Lessons Learned – Ezekiel 34

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Mark Shields

In Ezekiel 34, the people were without good leadership. The leaders took from the people to reward themselves and the economy was weakened so that many lacked the basic necessities. The weak were not strengthened, the sick were not healed, and Israel could not protect itself from neighboring enemies; eventually being destroyed.

In this passage, we get the idea of what a great nation should be founded on; God should be its foundation. When God is put first within a nation, the people are blessed with spiritual food; providing a climate that rewards the productive so that resources are available to strengthen the weak. There is abundance because God is with them and leaders are held to account.

There is one good thing about adversity and that is that it gives lessons that can enrich the world if societies learn from the mistakes of the past and then share their lessons learned with others. Then stepping stones are laid down for progress.

But we don’t have to dream of some perfect society of the future. We can simply enjoy the amazing things that can happen right now and praise God! May you be blessed by the video below:

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The perfect society of the future will come about one day for all who accept Christ as their Savior; it’s a place called heaven.

My prayer this day with God is that there are showers of blessings in every place where the truth of Christ is taught; that all who accept the gospel message will be filled with peace and abundant Spirit.

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The Cross is God’s Plus Sign to Us – Ezekiel 33

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Mark Shields
Jesus is considered by scholars such as Weber ...

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When working toward the solution of a problem, it would always help to already know the answer. For Christians, there is an answer; found in Christ. Friends share secrets and Jesus is our friend so we should get in the habit of thinking about what He would do and talking to Him in prayer as we go throughout the day. As demonstrated in Ezekiel 33, boldness can be gained because of faith in God’s guidance. We can gain this faith by listening for the right way to live from God’s Word, from sermons, from a mentor, or friend.

A good place to listen for the right way to live is by gathering with other Christians and sharing ideas. One point I remember from a message given by my Pastor, Steve Ramsdell is that the cross is a plus sign from God. Our mission is clear and that is to tell others about this plus sign.

An important part of knowing the right way to live is to go to the Lord in prayer and asking for guidance; listening and following. Remember two thoughts. The first is that prayer is our greatest power; the second is that no matter what happens in life, God loves you and that is all that matters. Try this today. Click on this piano piece: In The Garden: Norm Hastings, Piano and while listening, reflect on today’s reading. What lesson is God teaching? Think about what you may pray for today. Is there a plan of action God is giving you today?

First comes reading God’s Word, then thought about lessons learned; then plans are developed and action is taken with outstanding execution using the experience gained from lessons learned. The beginning, as you will observe, is reading God’s Word.

As we pray this day with God, let us put an emphasis on listening for guidance and thinking about ways to put this guidance into practice.

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Ezekiel 33 – 35 Questions for Reflection

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Mark Shields

I’ve been studying in the book of Psalms over the last few weeks. Now I will journey for a while in the book of Ezekiel. If you would like to journey with me, the reading plan below can be used as a tool for daily Bible study at any place or any time.

Many already have a Bible study plan and my hope is that you continue to use it so we can learn from each other. I simply invite you to check in over the next few posts where I will share some thoughts about what I’ve read and how we can apply it to our daily walk at home, work, school, or in our neighborhood.

Ezekiel 33
Passage Lookup

What duties does the Lord give Ezekiel toward the Israelites (See verse 3:16-21)? Who is your watchman? In what ways are you a watchman? Why?

Ezekiel 34
Passage Lookup

List the failures of the shepherds (leaders of Israel). What are God’s desires for his sheep? What should be the concern of pastors today in their responsibility to the flock of God? What physical, social, political, economic and spiritual benefits will result from the new covenant?

Ezekiel 35
Passage Lookup

Who does God identify with between Israel and Edom? Why? What does this teach about God and his concern for his own?

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“This Day with God” devotional is a tool to guide thoughts and prayers. It’s purpose is to open up the Scriptures with ideas that may help apply them. It’s a tool to enhance communication about faith and have an effect on learning from each other. It’s about providing the type of freedoms people need in the busy world in which we live.

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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