Rays of Sunshine

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Mark Shields

When the Son of God shines on you my friend, you cannot help but reflect the Light. As we read the Word of God with focus on John 13:21-35 today, let us take in this Light and provide rays of sunshine into the lives of others.

In today’s passage, Jesus and the disciples are at the Last Supper. Jesus told those in attendance who were gathered after the meal that one of His disciples would betray Him. No one at the meal understood who or why one of them would betray Jesus. Even when Jesus dipped bread into the dish and handed it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot (v. 26), they didn’t realize who it would be. They just thought that since Judas was in charge of the money that he would buy something for the upcoming Passover festival or give something to the poor (v. 29).

After Judas leaves, we are given more evidence that Jesus is God in the flesh. The Light of the world who came down from heaven to earth to teach us how to live. Verses 31-32 reveal more about the relationship of God and Jesus.

When he (Judas) was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.” – John 13:31-32.

Like Jesus loves us, we are to love one another. Deeply care for each other by praying for each other, encouraging, and hoping the best for each other. When a brother or sister accomplishes something to glorify the Lord, point out this ray of sunshine to the whole world because everyone benefits and there are smiles from heaven for a job well done.

Our Father in heaven, we want to know what love is and we get the answer in today’s scripture. You demonstrate Your love through Jesus on the cross. Before Jesus dies on the cross, He gives instructions to love others as He loved others. Help us Father God to strife to love others just one tenth as much as Jesus, amen.

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Focus On The Path Jesus Has Laid

Posted on January 30, 2024 by Mark Shields

For we walk by faith, not by sight – 2 Corinthians 5:7

Shared in “Along the Way Day by Day” is that we can obey today and follow the Way by using our God given skills to humbly serve others.

We can start where we are, focus on the path Jesus has laid, and continue the walk of faith step by step. Then we can share what we see, what we hear, and what we feel as we go along life’s journey.

Take inspiration today from the song Walk By Faith by Jeremy Camp as we follow God’s divine design which provides direction and protection as we walk by faith along the Way every single day.

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Along the Way Day by Day

Posted on January 29, 2024 by Mark Shields

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

God’s divine design provides direction and protection as we walk by faith along the Way every single day. We may not see what the future holds but we can gain faith as we step ahead reading His Word. Today we are reading John 13:12-20.

During the time of today’s passage, people walked everywhere and they wore sandals along the long and dusty pathways. After the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. It was a nasty job relegated to servants but Jesus gave them an example of humility to follow by washing one another’s feet or serving others.

We can obey today and follow the Way by using our God given skills to serve others. We can start where we are, focus on the path Jesus has laid, and continue the walk of faith step by step. Then we can share what we see, what we hear, and what we feel as we go along life’s journey.

The journey will not always be easy as we read further in verse 21. 

Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”

The scripture in Psalms 41:9 would be fulfilled as Judas would later betray Jesus.

Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.

This day with You Lord, we continue along the road to greater faith. There are roadblocks as we step ahead with our doubts that cause anxiety, but we can live better lives by accepting your help. Our faith grows with each step along the journey as your power is dispensed. Then, we encourage others to join us along this walk of faith. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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Thought From Devotional 01-26-2024

Posted on January 26, 2024 by Mark Shields

Discovered in 1 Kings 15:25 through 16:34 is what happens when nations worship useless idols rather than the ONE true God. Useful lessons can be learned from history and especially from the historical record found in the Word of God. Godly leaders of integrity, of principle, and character, that take stands on tough issues are the ones that put in place a positive environment that is beneficial to their people.

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Purpose of His Will

Posted on January 25, 2024 by Mark Shields

In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. – Ephesians 1:11

Pointed out in the post “Purpose Brings Composure” is that following God’s purpose for us brings composure. It was right before the Passover Festival and Jesus knew the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father, but there was composure demonstrated by Jesus as he calmly continued to carry out His purpose. To have the same composure as Jesus when facing threatening situation, let us accept the cleansing properties of the blood of Jesus.

We don’t need to know it all or do it all, but just do our simple part to fulfill our God given purpose. Listen to the song Thy Will by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family. God will bring excellence to anything we do if we simply find that purpose, accept God’s love, help others, promote His glory, and look forward to an amazing future.

Hard to understand,

But there is a plan,

So follow the Son,

And thy will be done.

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