Power for this Day

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Mark Shields

What are the strongest days of the week? Saturday and Sundays. The rest are weak-days. [1]

Today may be a weekday but with God there is power to handle any blow from our foe because of the strength received from our triune God. There is no need to retaliate because God determines our fate. Life can be a challenge but we have all we need because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Available is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The love displayed on the cross changes everything because we receive boldness, courage, and strength to take on each challenge of each day.

On the journey today as we read John 19:1-16, we are getting to the recorded events that are leading up to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Pilate had said that he found no basis for a charge against Jesus but he had Jesus flogged (v. 1) and dressed Jesus in a purple robe wearing a crown of thorns (v. 5). The Jews wanted to kill Jesus for blasphemy because Jesus called God his own Father. Jesus said that He and the Father are one. That the signs and miracles prove that the Father is in Him and He is in the Father.

Pilate tried to find a way out to set Jesus free and even told Jesus that he had the power to free him or to crucify him (v. 10). Pilate misunderstood Jesus’ power which came from above and not from worldly power. Pilate yielded to the wishes of the Jews’ demands and handed Jesus over to them to be crucified (v. 16).

As we give thought to the power from above, let us remember that our greatest power comes from the triune God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. Because of Christ, we have access to this ONE true God who moves mountains, calms the sea, and sooths sorrows. Jesus carried the weight of the world on His shoulders and He will carry all who believe that He and the Father are ONE. 

This day is not a week day but a day of power because of You God and Your mighty power. Available is the power to move mountains, calm storms, sooth sorrows, and even bring new life. Jesus has carried the weight on His shoulders, and He will carry us through this day. We can absorb any blow tried by our foe. We have boldness, courage, and power to take on what comes our way because of what was done on the cross. For in Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

[1] FUNNY EDITOR – Good, clean jokes to make you laugh!” https://funnyeditor.com/ .

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Reaching Forward to Those Things Which are Ahead

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Mark Shields

Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14

The Waco Suspension Bridge was built for the purpose of crossing the time-consuming and sometimes dangerous ordeal of circumventing the Brazos River near Waco Texas. It supported commerce and was a crossing point as they drove cattle up the Chisholm Trail. Years ago, my family took a picture in front of the statues of the cowboy on his horse and the cow that were built in honor of that historic past.

This day with God, we saddle up with the song The Great Adventure – Steven Curtis Chapman. Like the cowboys blazing a new trail, we have a purpose as we blaze a trail to a new frontier in the spiritual realm. Let us follow our leader Jesus who is the King of that kingdom.

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Journey to Eternity

Posted on March 18, 2024 by Mark Shields
Bridge that some say is the beginning of the Chrisom trail

The above photo is the Waco Suspension Bridge which was built for the purpose of crossing the time-consuming and sometimes dangerous ordeal of circumventing the Brazos River near Waco Texas. It supported commerce and was a crossing point of the Chisholm Trail.

Our bridge along the journey to eternity is Jesus. We are saved by God’s grace which is a gift that cannot be earned. Reading today in John 18:28-40, we continue the recorded historical document that explains how Jesus carried out the building of this bridge. 

After Judas led the Jewish leaders to where Jesus was in the garden. They arrested Jesus and then took Him to the palace of the Roman governor. Since it was early morning, they didn’t go into Pilate’s judgment hall in order to avoid ceremonial uncleanness so they could eat the Passover (v. 28).

Because of the miracles Jesus had performed leading up to this point, there was worry from the Jewish leaders that the people would make Him king. The Jewish leaders thought in worldly terms as a ruler, but Jesus came as King of our spiritual realm as we work together to store up treasure in His kingdom.

The thought here is that Jesus has given everyone a mission or purpose. We are to each pray that we find our specific purpose and affirm others as they pursue their important place in His kingdom. Every person has certain God given strengths and when they are able to use their individual God given strength, it benefits everyone.

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, those who accept Jesus in their heart receive the Holy Spirit to impact the world as peace and joy is in the countryside air along the journey. Followers of Jesus are connected to a power source that generates amazing grace that fuels our soul to finish strong on the journey to eternity.

Lord, we are grateful that we are living for a purpose. That we are on a great adventure to change the world for the better. To make a difference to help others cross the bridge on the journey to eternity. We choose the road to the spiritual kingdom where Jesus is King. It is an adventurous and sometimes difficult road, but we take comfort that You are there with us providing the wisdom, discernment, and courage to face the challenges ahead. May our work make a difference as we store up treasures in heaven and build Kingdom wealth for King Jesus in whose name we pray … amen and amen!

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Poetry Friday 03-15-2024

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Mark Shields

A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the book of 1 Kings. The nations of Israel was in a low point and needed a leader. The book of 1 Kings is a promise that from the line of David would come a Messianic king to lead them to a higher destination. We know today that Jesus is the king of Kings who will ultimately rule over all the nations.  

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The Truth is with You

Posted on March 14, 2024 by Mark Shields

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

A lesson from “Take Courage” is that Jesus was not afraid at all when they came to arrest Him and taught by example. He knew what the future held yet He was on a mission and had the courage to follow through. He faced His enemies in order to fulfill His purpose; to suffer in this world in order to set you and me free.

This day with God, take courage by listening and believing in Jesus. Let us worship with the song Voice of Truth – Casting Crowns.

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