Courage to Step Ahead

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Mark Shields

There will be times when life is difficult. The world will frighten and scare but remember, the Advocate will be there. Making a stand against those that oppose takes courage. The courage to lead, the courage to do what’s right, and the courage to tell the truth. It takes courage to step ahead to a triumphant future. As we read John 15:18-27, let us be assured that God will direct our steps and give assurance in overcoming those against us.

Noted in today’s passage, the world was against Jesus without reason. In fact, the world hated Jesus and hated his followers too because they were chosen out of the world. The world persecuted Jesus and his followers because the world didn’t accept His teachings of repentance and grace.

We are told in the passage that there is a relationship between the Father, Son, and His followers. Those who follow the Son, receive the Advocate or the Counselor who testifies about the Truth. As we step ahead into the future, let us accept Jesus as Savior. Let us receive the power of the Father, work with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and know the Holy Spirit is with us along the journey.

People will tell us we will never be triumphant but don’t listen to them. The presence of the Counselor will stabilize our life against the world’s hatred, so listen to the voice of Truth. Let us have the courage to step out of our comfort zone and bring glory to God. Then, share about the victories.

Father God, we sometimes feel afraid because of those who oppose us and what they want to do to us … but because of Jesus, we can take courage because we have the Counselor to guide our steps. So, this day, we boldly step ahead to do everything for Your glory. We know those who oppose us will keep on trying to cause harm, but we can keep going step by step. Even death has no sting because of what You bring which is the courage to face fear or disappointment. You will guide and provide now and forever.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Stay Connected

Posted on February 20, 2024 by Mark Shields
American fruit by Library of Congress is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”. – John 15:5

Explained in “Connected to the Vine”, Jesus is the vine, the Father is the vine dresser, and the disciples are the branches. To produce fruit, there needs to be some pruning by the vine dresser. Look at adversity as part of this pruning to make one fit for service. Like Christ who went through a painful death yet proved His love on the cross, we are to let our love show in the difficulties that we go through.

Jesus then goes on to say the following in John 15:17

“This is my command: Love each other”.

Let us stay connected and stay in the Light as the song Stay by Jeremy Camp says. Life may be difficult, but with prayer, we can get through adversity. Then we can keep living by God’s principles, be of service for His glory, and share with friends about our experiences.

Index of devotionals

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Connected to the Vine

Posted on February 19, 2024 by Mark Shields

This day with God, we continue the journey into John 15:1-17 as we read God’s Word and seek to offer the most productive Way which is to be unified as one while growing in faith. To be fruitful, we must be connected to the vine and Jesus is described in today’s passage as the vine. If we are connected to the vine, then we are connected to the Father. We seek to study the Word today so it will abide in us as we choose to be co-workers in building up our faith.

We are told today that Jesus is the vine, the Father is the vine dresser, and the disciples are the branches. Jesus is connected to the Father and the disciples are connected to Jesus. To bear much fruit, the followers of Jesus or the branches must be connected to the vine. When those who follow Jesus abide in His love, they abide in the vine.

To produce fruit, there needs to be some pruning by the vine dresser. Look at adversity as part of this pruning to make one fit for service. Like Christ who went through a painful death yet proved His love on the cross, we are to let our love show in the challenges that we go through. It may be difficult, but with prayer, we can get through adversity. Then we can keep living by God’s principles, be of service for His glory, and share with friends about our experiences.

This day with You God, we pray that many receive Your love by accepting Jesus. In today’s passage, we are told that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. If we know Jesus, we know You God and we remain in Your love. We take in Your Word as co-workers in building up faith. We worship You and pray that we stay connected to the Vine and Your Word abides in us … in Jesus’ name, amen.

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

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Thought From Devotional 02-16-2024

Posted on February 16, 2024 by Mark Shields

From 1 Kings 19, noticed is a contrasting facet of Elijah’s personality. He had demonstrated great faith and courage but then becomes afraid and goes wayward for a while. Everyone can reach a point of exhaustion both mentally and physically. That’s when we must continue to believe that God is present. This day with God, worship Him in song and pray that His angels and your friends touch you with refreshing encouragement.

Index of devotionals

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Paradigm Shifted

Posted on February 15, 2024 by Mark Shields

We love because He first loved us. – 1 John 4:19

A thought from the post ”Gloomy Outlook Lifted” is that evidence of love is obedience and Jesus demonstrated His love on the Cross. Because of His love, let us gain momentum from the victory provided by the Savior. Take in this love, write it in our heart, and let it shine.

The gloomy outlook was lifted because the paradigm shifted when Jesus gave His life on the cross. Today’s song is Lead Me to the Cross by Hillsong.

Index of devotionals

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

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