Friend to Help Along the Way

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Mark Shields

We are placed many times throughout life into difficult circumstances. The enemy is constantly plotting to get us off the path and we need a friend to help along the way.

Reading today in 1 Kings 22, Jehoshaphat king of Judah went to see Aham king of Israel who needed a friend to help take some disputed land called Ramoth Gilead against King of Aram. Jehoshaphat told the king of Israel that he wanted to seek the counsel of the Lord.

Most prophets for Israel during that time simply agreed with whatever the king set out to do but Micaiah was different. While the other prophets said the Lord would give the king success, Micaiah prophesized that there would be victory but that the king of Israel would die in the battle. The king of Israel didn’t like what Micaiah prophesized so he had him imprisoned.

Ahab hated the truth when it didn’t agree with him (verse 8). He couldn’t handle the truth (verse 16) and wanted to hear only good news about him (verse 18). He even put the truth teller in prison (verses 26-28). He thought he could hide from the truth by plotting to disguise himself during the battle (verse 30).

Sure enough, Micaiah prophesized correctly as Aham was killed in the battle. This event teaches us that God is the Truth and cares for His people. We don’t have a counselor that just tells us what we want to hear. Because of Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us in all we do.

The Truth is God’s Word and we should react to parts of scripture that reprove and correct us with humility. Everyone needs a friend but not all friends will be able to deliver. With Jesus, we have a friend that can. He knows what path to take and what decisions are the best. What a friend we have in Jesus!

Father God … we all can get into circumstances that are out of our control, but we trust that You will overrule our circumstances. We rely on Your guidance as we study Your Word today. We are constantly growing in faith as Your grace soothes our soul to produce a heart of goodness. We are thankful that we can come to You because of Your Son. We can pray and spur one another on towards the Way taught by Jesus … our Intercessor in whose name we pray … Amen.

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

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Clear Path

Posted on August 27, 2023 by Mark Shields

Jesus has paved the way to a clear path so we can constantly go for advice or insight and listen to Holy Spirit for guidance. We know it’s going to be a great day because God has given us the resources needed to step ahead with confidence.

Index of devotionals

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Poetry Friday 08-25-2023

Posted on August 25, 2023 by Mark Shields

A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the post “Accomplish the Victory” which emphasizes praying on a regular basis about your aspirations, so they are in alignment with God’s will. Once they are aligned, tasks will come to mind that need to be carried out. One by one, each task done will get you closer to accomplishment and encourage to go further.

Take inspiration from the song One Desire by Hillsong as you dream big today. Keep believing in your dreams and that you have something to offer. Keep praying on a regular basis about your aspirations so that they are in alignment with God’s will.

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Surrender All To Fulfill Your Call

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Mark Shields 
In the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Jesus points out the humility of the tax collector and said “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 18:14

Brought out in “The Butterfly Effect” is the idea that some slight distress can have larger positive effects in the future. Think about how every achievement had backing from others either a teacher, a parent, or mentor that influenced the person toward the attainment.

Like the butterfly that changes from a caterpillar, we are changed when we do as the song “I Surrender All by Lifebreakthrough” says. We are approved by God. At that point in life, there is joy and a sense of purpose forever. We don’t have to follow those that lead us down the wrong path.

Index of devotionals

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The Butterfly Effect

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Mark Shields

The butterfly effect is the idea that minor distresses can have big effects in the future. Think about a butterfly that started as a caterpillar, spins itself a silky cocoon, and transforms into a butterfly. Also, think about how every achievement had discipline from others like a teacher, a parent, or mentor that encouraged them to be transformed into the person they became. Everything we do to help someone can have a big impact on their achievements if we love them and help them to accomplish their full potential.

Today, reading in 1 Kings 21, we read about someone that had a negative effect named Jezebel who was married to King Ahab of Israel. She was a power hungry and ruthless person who introduced her gods to Ahab. In today’s passage, she set up a scheme to have Naboth put to death simply for refusing to sell his vineyard to her husband.

Jezebel had influenced Ahab to do evil by worshiping her gods and agreeing to her sinister schemes. At times, we can let others influence us in today’s world. Those we feel have power over us at the work place or out of touch government agencies that tell us what to do even when it brings harm to us personally or to our organization.

We don’t have to follow those that are leading us down the wrong path. By following God’s plan for us, we can surrender all to fulfill our call. We then become approved by God and there is purpose in our life. We can have joy in life even when things don’t work out for worldly success.

In today’s passage, we do note that Ahab’s repentance does affect God’s punishment. He humbled himself and disaster was not brought to him personally, but it was brought to his son (v. 29). The challenge for us is to set things right in the world in our generation so that future generations ultimately are transformed into a thing of beauty.

Thank You Lord that there are people around us that hold us accountable to Your Way Lord. Thank You for family members and fellow believers that influence us to glorify You. We surrender all to fulfill our call. We have a purpose in sharing Your Word Lord and we stay on track. We are grateful for each day we have to gain victories and build memories that we treasure. Amen.

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

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