Just A Click Away

Posted on April 10, 2023 by Mark Shields

Reading today in Psalm 63, David is going through a rough time. He’s been driven from the throne by his son Absalom and is headed across the wilderness away from Jerusalem. He doesn’t miss the money, the power, or respect of being a king. What he misses most is God’s house where he can feel God’s power and glory.

Because of Jesus in our heart, the power and glory resides inside. Technology today allows us to always stay connected for spiritual pick-me-ups at anytime and anyplace. Just a click away, the Internet makes it easy to look up Bible verses, be inspired by praise videos, or share with friends.

David wants protection from enemies and he’s confident that they will be destroyed if they try to overthrow him as king. David is satisfied with singing praises to God. Praise and worship is evidence that God is at work in our life. Our enemy wants to lie and deceive us but like David, we can be satisfied by praise and worship.

So this day with God, step ahead of the enemy that deceives and lies. Step ahead of hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in your life that keep you down; instead desire the authenticity, sincerity and certainty that God provides. Use technology to make a positive impact on your life. Just a click away are scriptures, sermons, Christian blogs, and uplifting music. Available from any place or any time just by using your phone, computer, or tablet.

Lord, there is many corrupting influences we face in this world. Help us to clear out these negative influences and be filled up with the treasures of the Holy Spirit. If we have the treasures of the Spirit, we have all things. We come to You today for this help and know that the possibilities are unlimited when we step ahead each day following Your way. We are focused today on Jesus who provides the better Way. Amen.

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Fill Your Basket

Posted on April 9, 2023 by Mark Shields 
Christ came to give a gift
Which is the gift of grace
That changes your life 
To finish the race.

The gift of salvation
That is unearned
Or undeserved
But is confirmed.

It’s what He chose
On the cross to do
But then He arose
With new life for you.

So loosen up,
Move your legs,
And run like a child
Claiming your eggs.

Filling your basket
With food for the soul.
A drink of the Spirit
That makes you whole.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 04-09-2023

Photo – Easter 2023

Poem Inspired by Sermon of Ryan Barnett, 04-02-2023

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Step Ahead To Easter

Posted on April 7, 2023 by Mark Shields 

The winter no longer
Cold and blistery
As new growth of spring
Fills us with mystery.

The event of Easter    
Took us from despair
To hope as the tomb
Was suddenly bare.

Reminding us now
Of God’s love
That fills us with joy
From up above.

Refueling the soul
And instructive
For the best way
To be productive.

To step ahead 
As we journal
Along the clear path
To life eternal. 

Poem by Mark Shields – © 04-01-2021
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There In Every Prayer

Posted on April 6, 2023 by Mark Shields
Photo Credit – truthmattersblog.wordpress.com
One thing God has spoken,
   two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God,
   and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;
and, “You reward everyone
   according to what they have done.” – Psalm 62:11-12

A takeaway from “Trust in Yaweh” is the need to pray. God is interested in your future and that’s why He sent a Savior. If you desire to be a blessing to others by telling them about God’s love, it will come to pass that you will be blessed in abundance.

So this day, we trust in the Lord and will not be moved. Whatever tomorrow may bring, together we’ll rise and sing. Let’s start with the song We Won’t Be Shaken by Building 429 and know He is there in every prayer.

Index of devotionals

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Trust in Yaweh

Posted on April 5, 2023 by Mark Shields

When we make a comeback after a bad day and keep at it, the reward is always much more so if we keep our eye on the reward, the breaks will start going our way.

David was going through some bad days in today’s passage. Probably written at the time of the Absalom rebellion, Psalm 62 points out that David is alone but with Yaweh, he knew things would be okay.

David trusted in the Lord because he felt secure. On the other hand, there is insecurity in relying on human means. If we rely on money, military power, or human processes, the outcome is unknown.

The things of this world contain deceit and false promises but nothing gives more security and strength as trusting in the Lord. His power and love rewards with salvation, rest, protection, and poise under stress.

God’s interested in our future and that’s why He sent a Savior. If we desire to be a blessing to others by telling them about God’s love, it will come to pass that we will be blessed in abundance.

This day with You Lord, we know You are there in our every prayer. Each day, we get a new start. Some days we miss the mark but with grace, we are made perfect and can trust in You for You are the true God … Yaweh. As we pray today, we desire to be a blessing and know that You will bless us abundantly. We rejoice because our reward will be great in heaven. Amen.

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