Along the Way Day by Day

Posted on January 29, 2024 by Mark Shields

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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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Purpose Brings Composure

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Mark Shields

Many live a life full of stress and a lack of composure because of the desire to achieve beyond what they can accomplish on their own. What if the desire were to just do their small part in order that God’s purpose was carried out. There is a great destiny for all whose top priorities are to seek to know God’s Way, to be totally focused on His purpose for their life, and let the Spirit inside guide. 

We get the perfect example or role model today as we read John 13:1-11. We note that it is just before the Passover Festival and Jesus knew the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. His state of mind as the time of his death approached was one of composure even though He knew what He would have to go through.

It was the Last Supper Jesus would have with those he loved.  After the meal, He humbly started washing the feet of those around the table. He explained that no one is perfect and that everyone needed to be washed. To humbly accept to be washed by Jesus results in holiness and this will bring true happiness.

Humbleness + Holiness = Happiness

To have the same composure as Jesus when facing threatening situations, let us be washed by 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. God will bring excellence to anything we do so simply find that purpose, accept God’s love, help others, promote His glory, and look forward to an amazing future.

You God provide excellence in us. It’s not our own ability but Your ability. We can have composure in any situation if we put things in order. If we have our priority to fulfill the purpose You have for us. Help us to become Your hands and feet on earth to make a difference in this world for Your glory. We accept Your love today and respond to Your grace with poise because we are free to radiate Your Light by loving others as You first loved us in Jesus’ name, amen.

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Live in the Light

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Mark Shields

Jesus said, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” – John 12:46

A thought from “Walk in the Light” is that receiving approval from others gives a good feeling but is only short term. Approval from God brings joy forever!

You are approved by God by accepting Jesus in your heart. That’s when victory in life truly takes place as the Spirit lives inside and you live in the Light of His goodness.

Take inspiration from the song Resurrection Power by Chris Tomlin. Step ahead today knowing Jesus has given you a new life with integrity to live in the Light of His goodness.

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