Tag Archives: Obstacles

Offering Sympathy

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Mark Shields

Reading from 1 Chronicles 19, I like how David handled the situation with his servants. He immediately empathized with their humiliation and let them stay in Jericho till they could get their confidence back. A leader wants their people to … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Chronicles | Tagged Confidence, David, Empathy, God, Jericho, Obstacles | 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 … Continue reading →

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 Ezra 7-10

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Mark Shields

Over the last week or so I’ve shared some thoughts from Ezra 4-6. What happened to the exiles trying to rebuild the temple can happen to us today. Many times we face adversaries in life but our mighty God can … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Celebration, Christ, Christianity, Encourage, Exiles, Ezra, God, Jerusalem, Obstacles, Praise, Prayer, Reflection, Shelter, Spiritual Growth, Temple, Together, United Methodist Church | 5 Comments

Questions for Reflection – Ezra 4-6

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Mark Shields

The first activity of the Israelites after returning from exile was to build the altar of God. We can learn from their example of putting God first. Small things become big things when we go to God and plan to … Continue reading →