Yes To the Best

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Mark Shields

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2

Open up what blocks the image of the Son. See the amazing things around you that God produces and provides. All that is needed as pointed out in “Slide Aside” is to remove what covers your vision and have an open heart that lets into your mind and soul the things of God.

This day with God, search the Scriptures with diligence and pay attention to this best Way of living as explained by Jesus who worked with a passion to build something for you that will last forever.

Here is a song about having the ability to see God at work in the things around you. The song is I Saw God Today by George Strait. God’s figure prints are everywhere so, see God in the birth of a newborn, in other people, and in all of His creation.

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Slide Aside

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Mark Shields

One time, I was having problems with a laptop camera. After looking at the settings for the camera and other possible issues, it came down to something simple. Laptops have a cover that slides over the camera lens so if the cover is over the lens, all that can be seen is a black screen. In the same way, many issues we face can be solved if we slide aside what blocks our ability to see God’s majesty.

This day with God, let us slide aside the things that block our ability see His majesty. Let us say “Yes” to the best and what is good for the mind and soul by reading today in John 5:30-47. There are five witnesses that Jesus refers to in this passage. They are John the Baptist, His works or signs and wonders, the Father, the Scriptures, and Moses.

The Scriptures testify about Jesus who ultimately brings to us a fulfilling life now and forever more. God’s way is not a man-made system that changes every few years but is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow so we can grow in our understanding with purpose and pass along to future generations.

Jesus receives glory from the Father and we receive glory from Jesus for it is by grace we are saved through faith. This day with God, let us slide aside what covers our vision and have an open heart that lets in the things of God. Let us search the Scriptures with diligence and pay attention to this best Way of living as explained by Jesus who worked with a passion to build something for us that will last forever.

Lord, we are able to see You at work in the things around us and we document what we see, what we hear, and what we feel. We grow in faith each day as we slide aside the things of this world that block our attention on You for You are the Way, the Truth, and the Light. We pray that the Spirit inside guides us along the path to an awesome future. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Thought From Devotional This Day 10-20-2023

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Mark Shields

A thought from reading 1 Kings 8:22-53 is how Solomon prayed not only for himself, but the people of Israel. In the same way, we should pray for our family, our friends, and associates. Some are facing difficult issues. They may be running on empty and that’s when hope can fuel their future.

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Remove the Roadblocks

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Mark Shields

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Brought out in “Walking the Straight Path” is the need to study Gods word to understand what the enemy wants to do which is to block your progress. To get in the way but you can read the Word, listen for instructions, loosen up, and keep stepping ahead with confidence because God’s grace is enough to lead you to heaven’s victory.

This day with God, do as the song First Things First by Consumed By Fire says and seek God’s will. To live God’s Truth and walk His ways.

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Walking the Straight Path

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Mark Shields

We keep walking the straight path on this journey and are grateful that Jesus has paved the way so we can constantly pray and get advice or insight as we listen to the Spirit for guidance. It’s going to be a great day because God has given us the resources needed to step ahead with confidence.

Because Jesus healed the disabled man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders used this to go against Jesus saying Jesus had broken a Jewish law. They began to persecute Jesus as stated in John 5:16.

Reading further in John 5:19-29, the leaders confronted Jesus and then it only got worse as Jesus explains that God is His Father and that He can only do what he sees his Father doing (v. 19). Then Jesus explains further that He can give life (v. 21) and pronounce judgment (v. 22).

Jesus became God in the flesh with the power and authority to grant eternal life or judge unbelievers to eternal damnation. Those who hear the word and believe Jesus is the Son of God will have eternal life but those who have not will be condemned (v. 29).

A takeaway for me is the need to study Gods word to understand what the enemy wants to do which is to block our progress. To get in the way but we can read the Word, listen for instructions, loosen up, and keep stepping ahead with confidence because God’s grace is enough to lead us to heaven’s victory.

When we pray and develop a plan each day with God, there is confidence because we know what to do and we set out to accomplish these tasks for God’s glory. Jesus has removed the road blocks and Holy Spirit tells us what to do and where to go.

This day with You Lord we know where we are going because the path has been laid out and all we have to do is keep stepping ahead. Your Way gives direction for each step. The roadblocks like distraction are removed and we now have set aside time to come to You for direction as we put first things first knowing that everything else will fall into place. We pray in Jesus’ name … amen.

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