Monthly Archives: March 2012

Practicing What One Preaches – Matthew 23:1-28

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Mark Shields

The scribes and Pharisees didn’t practice what they preached in Matthew 23:1-28. On the outside, they looked great because of what they wore and the places they went. But on the inside, they were full of greed, self-indulgence, and hypocrisy. … Continue reading →

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Applied Faith, Christ, Christianity, God, Gospel of Matthew, Holy Spirit, Humility, Jesus, Justice, Matthew, Mercy, Pharisee, Prayer, Salvation | 1 Comment

Matthew 23-24 Questions for Reflection

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Mark Shields

Each day with God can be amazing because our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never lets us down. In my … Continue reading →

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christ, Faith, Free, God, Gospel of Matthew, Integrity, Jerusalem, Jesus, Matthew, Pharisee, Power, United Methodist Church | 7 Comments

Jesus is Tested – Matthew 22:15-45

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Mark Shields

The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it. There is real integrity and no need for manipulation. As I journey through Matthew 22:15-45, I noticed how the Pharisees planned to trap Jesus with contradictory words thus damaging … Continue reading →

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christ, God, Gospel of Matthew, Integrity, Jesus, New Testament, Pharisee, Ravi Zacharias, Sadducees | Leave a comment

In the Faith – Matthew 22:1-14

Posted on March 24, 2012 by Mark Shields

Biblical principles are practical today and they will not let us down. Yielding to a Godly perspective day in and day out will set us free. The wedding clothes mentioned in Mathew 22:1-14 are the character traits Christians should put … Continue reading →

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Biblical Principles, Character, Christ, Christian, Christianity, Divinity, Encouragement, Faith, Generosity, God, Godly Perspective, Jesus, Kindness, Religion and Spirituality | 4 Comments

Not What You Say But What You Do – Matthew 21:23-46

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Mark Shields

My Pastor said once in a sermon that the way to be great is to have the right priorities and be a servant like Jesus. To apply the Word, recognize what is needed, and use your talents to help. For … Continue reading →

Posted in Matthew | Tagged American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Applied Faith, Bible, Chapters and verses of the Bible, Christ, Community, Economy, Freedom, God, Gospel of Matthew, Improvement, Initiative, Jesus, Jobs, Pharisees, Priorities, Relay For Life, religion & spirituality, Sermon Podcast, Service, Texas, Texas Farm Bureau | Leave a comment

Lesson on Composure – Matthew 21:1-22

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Mark Shields

As I journey through Matthew 21:1-22, I notice that everyone begins to recognize who Jesus is. A crowd of people from around Jerusalem gathers as Jesus and the disciples come up the road from Jericho. Jesus sends two disciples ahead … Continue reading →

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Chris Tomlin, Cross, Faith, Fig Tree, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jesus, Journey, King, Power, Prayer, Purpose, Temple Courts | 5 Comments

Matthew 21-22 Questions for Reflection

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Mark Shields

Each day with God can be amazing because the pathway set before us leads to that which is pure and good and lovely. In my readings of Matthew 19-20, I’ve noticed that people are drawn to Jesus because of His … Continue reading →

Posted in Matthew | Tagged God, Gospel of Matthew, InterVarsity Press, Jesus, Matthew, Messiah, Pharisees, United Methodist Church | 5 Comments

Integrating Faith and Our Actions – Matthew 20:17-34

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Mark Shields

Jesus tells the disciples in Matthew 20:17-34 that he would be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They would condemn him to death and turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged … Continue reading →

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Applying Faith, Christianity, Gentile, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, Matthew, Paul Baloche, Religion and Spirituality | Leave a comment

Reward for Working in the Vineyard – Matthew 20:1-16

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Mark Shields

My Pastor, Steve Ramsdell once made a point in a sermon that there are huge dividends for doing God’s work. God’s bank never goes broke and there are rewards for encouraging others. In Christ, there is a reward and your … Continue reading →

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christ, Christianity, God, Gospel of Matthew, HolySpirit, Jesus, Matthew, religion & spirituality, Reward | 2 Comments

The Young Rich Man’s Question – Matthew 19:16-30

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Mark Shields

Those who neglect to ask questions many times end up where they didn’t want to go. In seeking answers to questions, we can be assured that the cross has the answer for them all. Like the young rich man did … Continue reading →