Monthly Archives: May 2012

Encouragement

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Mark Shields

The rebuilding of the temple was put on hold as recorded in Ezra 4 but the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged that the work continue in Ezra 5; with vision, confidence, and a desire to fulfill God’s command. The lesson … Continue reading →

Posted in Ezra | Tagged Christ, Christianity, Encouragement, Ezra, God, Haggai, Jerusalem, Prayer, Zechariah | 3 Comments

It’s Right in Front of You

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Mark Shields

The second of a four part series on “Stories for the Road” was brought to us last Sunday at my church. To catch up on the series or if you think it might be of some help for someone you … Continue reading →

Posted in Sermon Outline | Tagged God, HolySpirit, Jesus, Lord, Pentecost, Pentecost Sunday, Podcast, Sermon, Signs, Sunday, Vietnam Memorial | 2 Comments

Shelter From Storms

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Mark Shields

In a previous post Roadblocks We Face, I mentioned that God can provide shelter from the storms we face. Sometimes when we feel down, a song can lift our spirits. Here’s one for today: Shelter Me – Bruce Carroll, Billy … Continue reading →

Posted in Ezra | Tagged Bob Bennett, Bruce Carroll, God, God Provides Shelter, God’s Will, Prayer | 10 Comments

How They Spent Their Dash

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Mark Shields

Reblogged from Step Ahead: Memorial Day is observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May. It originated after the Civil War and honors all Americans who have died in all wars. As a marker, it typically … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Roadblocks We Face

Posted on May 26, 2012 by Mark Shields

When the enemies of the returned exiles heard about the rebuilding of the temple, they asked if they could help but their past idol worship was known. The Israelites had absolute confidence in God but didn’t trust their enemies so … Continue reading →

Posted in Ezra | Tagged Adversaries, Book of Ezra, Christianity, confidence in god, Difficulties, Ezra, God, Integrity, Israelite, Jerusalem, Leaders, Motives, politics, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality, Shelter, Storms, Temple, Wisdom | 6 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 →

Posted in Ezra | Tagged Altar of God, Book of Ezra, Celebration, Christ, Christianity, Difficulties, Ezra, Faith, God, God First, Israel, Israelite, Lessons, Light, Obstacles, Prayer, Road Map, United Methodist Church, Work | 5 Comments

Small Things Become Big Things With God

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Mark Shields

The first activity of the Israelites after returning from exile as recorded in Ezra 3 was to build the altar of God. Then they resumed a detailed schedule of offerings and sacrifices. Let us also learn to begin with God … Continue reading →

Posted in Ezra | Tagged Alter of God, Christianity, Devotional, Direction, Ezra, God, God’s Mercy, Guidance, HolySpirit, Israelite, Israelites, Jerusalem, Jesus, Offering, Path, Planning, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality, Sacrifice, Sermon, Sermon Podcast, Worship | 5 Comments

The Paths We Take

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Mark Shields

We began a four part series on “Stories for the Road” this past weekend at my church with “The Paths We Take”. Senior Pastor: Rev. Steve Ramsdell gave the sermon message and below is an outline of the message. It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Sermon Outline | Tagged Bible, Destination, Direction, Dreams, God, God’s Path, Intentions, Jesus, Journey, Lord, New International Version, Pastor, Sermon | Leave a comment

God’s Love is Constant

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Mark Shields

After reading in Ezra 2, the thought occurred to me that the only thing that doesn’t change is God’s love for us and how He carries those that trust Him, who follow His will, and aim to glorify His name. … Continue reading →

Posted in Ezra | Tagged Casting Crown, Follow, Glorify, God, Jesus, Love, Praise You In This Storm, Trust | 2 Comments

The Journey Home – Ezra 2

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Mark Shields

In Ezra 2, God’s people who had been exiled in Babylon return on the 800 mile journey back home to Jerusalem. Almost 50,000 people return to their homeland. They had been through tough times, away from their homeland a long … Continue reading →