Spiritual Journey Through John 3-4

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in the book of John and sharing some thoughts that not only can benefit you now but also help the next generation too! The greatest of all possessions one can hand off to future generations are the guiding principles taught by Christ Jesus.

Brought out in John 3:1-21 is that the Spirit works in you to be a powerful force and through your decision rather than the condition of the word, you can receive the power to accomplish His plan for you to testify about the Light.

A thought from John 3:22-36 is that each member of the body of Christ benefits the team with the objective of helping people participate in eternal life. Each does their part to encourage others to do their part for the team.

Reading John 4:1-26, one thought is that people are not drawn to religion but to excitement for what Jesus has done for you and what He will do for you in the future. The important thing to know is that Jesus can satisfy your basic need which is experiencing the fullness of life.

Spending time in the word reading John 4:27-42, the thought is that with the Internet today, the opportunity to sow seeds in many places is available. Once these seeds take root in hearts, local churches can reap the harvest. The sower and the reaper can rejoice together in the harvest for they work hard together and there is a reward for this hard work in harvesting a crop for eternal life.

Interest in Jesus is sparked and faith is increased from the passage John 4:43-54. Going to God in prayer and asking for help will examine the basis of your faith. Like the official in the passage, you can take God at his word; go on your way today knowing that things will work out the way they should and be satisfied with the results.

The road map is at this link and all who accept Jesus will be rewarded because God’s kingdom has abundance, and the Spirit has no limit! The blessings consist of a future with provision, purpose, peace, and a perfect place for you that is beyond what could be imagined.

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Spark From Mark That Warms The Heart

Posted on October 10, 2023 by Mark Shields

This day with God, take this spark from the book of Mark to warm your heart.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. –  Mark 11:24

We get hit with so many negative thoughts on a daily basis that we need to let the Light in to warm up the soul.

As the Word of God warms the heart, go to God in prayer and examine the basis of your faith. Like the official in “See An Increase”, listen and take God at his word; go on your way today knowing that things will work out the way they should and be confident that you will be satisfied with the results.

Along with prayer, start or end the day with uplifting positive music. Take about 15 minutes to listen to praise music. It gets your mind in the right frame of mind as you start your day or retire for the evening.

Like the song Today Is The Day By Lincoln Brewster, believe that there is so much more ahead. Today and each day going forward, rejoice and be glad in it because you are being led by the Truth.

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See An Increase

Posted on October 9, 2023 by Mark Shields

*Why is the beach so confident? It’s 100% shore. This day with God, we can be sure of an increase in joy and peace. An increase in God’s blessings for today and every day going forward.

Sometimes there are amazing signs of God right in front of us, yet the busyness of this world and the challenges of day to day living keep many from seeing. Reading today in John 4:43-54, this was happening to Jesus as He points out in verse 45 that a prophet has no honor in his own country.

On the other hand, Jesus had an increase of followers from the Galileans who seemed to be amazed at what He was doing so Jesus went to Galilee to follow-up with those he had met at the wedding feast. The Galileans welcomed Jesus because they had seen the first sign that Jesus was the Messiah when He had changed water into wine. Their interest in Jesus had been sparked and their faith had increased.

A we continue reading today’s passage, a wealthy royal official had a son who was sick with a fever and near death. The man had wealth, but his wealth could not buy health. When he heard that Jesus was near, he set out to ask Jesus to heal his son. He begged Jesus to come with him to see his son, but Jesus said “Go, your son will live (v. 50).”

The official did as Jesus said and before he got back home, a servant met along the way to tell him that his son was better. He inquired as to when his son got better, and it was the exact moment in time that Jesus had told him his son would live (v. 52).

This second sign from Jesus … healing the nobleman’s (royal officer’s) son shows us that the power of Jesus was not limited by space. This world put’s a heavy weight on our shoulders and we feel at times that there is no hope, but because of Jesus there is more power than we can image, so lean on Jesus to help solve the issues faced.

The wealthy official could not heal his son just as there are issues we face in which we can’t solve on our own, but God’s plan for us is going to bring spiritual healing and restoration. Every detail is being worked out and we are predestined for a joyful ending.

Going to God in prayer and asking for help will examine the basis of our faith. Like the official in today’s passage, we can take God at his word; go on our way today knowing that things will work out the way they should and be satisfied with the results.

With You Lord, there is only increase and no decrease. Inch by inch, everything is a cinch because of our confidence in You. We trust in Your plan for abundant faith, abundant joy, and abundant peace because with You there will be blessings beyond measure. We lean on You Lord and know the outcome is in Your hands. Every detail is being worked out and we are predestined for a joyful end. Amen.

*Jokes for days. (2021). Funny Editor – Jokes for Days. https://funnyeditor.com.

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Thought From Devotional This Day 10-06-2023

Posted on October 6, 2023 by Mark Shields

The important project of building the temple to God was recorded in 1 Kings 6-7. For every important project, it’s important to have a plan, find helpers with certain skills, and get started; paying attention to the details and being patient but persistent until it’s finished. This day with God, let’s start building our life like Solomon built the temple.

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Blessed with the Crown of Life

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Mark Shields

Shared in “Food for the Soul Benefits All” is that a person who shares the Word with others is like a farmer that sows seeds and after these seeds take root in the heart of believers, there is a harvest to reap. There is a reward for knowing that the hard work pays off, that people are fed food for the soul, and that this produces benefits for all. The blessings consist of a future with provision, purpose, peace, and the crown of life. A perfect place for us that is beyond what could be imagined!

Take in the lyrics of today’s song I Can Only Imagine By MercyMe and be blessed. Imagine being surrounded by His glory and think of all you will be able to do. Standing in His presence forever worshiping!

Index of devotionals

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