Getting To The Destination

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Mark Shields

The first step to getting to our destination is being focused on the way to God as pointed out in the scripture above. If we pay attention to the things of this world, we become stressed and confused. We are thrown off track to where we want to go.

A thought from “What Matters Most” is the importance of putting our attention on the things of God so we are prepared for the world. Wisdom begins by seeking God, understanding His Way, and applying our faith.

As the song God Is In This Story by Katy Nichole & Big Daddy Weave points out, God is in the details. Even in the broken parts, He holds our heart. When at our weakest, we can trust in Jesus.

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What Matters Most

Posted on March 1, 2023 by Mark Shields

The photo was taken back in the mid 1980’s when a friend of mine from my hometown and I went on a trip to Europe. We had recently graduated from college and decided to travel before we got too busy in our careers. Taken from high up on a mountain, the city below is Lucerne Switzerland which sits amid snowcapped mountains on Lake Lucerne.

Much of our life is directed by the low standards of this world rather than God’s higher standard. Success is defined by lofty incomes, nice cars, or an expensive house instead of vast spiritual assets like faith, hope, and love!

The challenge is to keep focused on what matters most which is to follow His Way. Then to be used to reveal the Way to others. As we read today in Psalm 53, the thought for me is on priorities. The world wants to mold us by using TV, social media, advertisements, and worldly pleasures.

This day, let us put our attention on the things of God so we are prepared for the world. If we pay too much attention to the world, we become stressed or confused so let us be wise by seeking God. By understanding His Way and being successful at applying our faith.

This day with You Lord, help us to stay on pace to finish this race as we receive Your grace. Along the journey Lord, we want to keep our attention on Your Way. We pray today for our attention to be undivided to the path provided. The world will distract but with You our thoughts are intact. Worldly pleasures will fade away, but the Word remains forever to give us true pleasure. Amen!

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Love Wins

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Mark Shields 
But l am like an olive tree 
   flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love
   for ever and ever. – Psalm 52:8

A lesson from “See the Victory” is that the heart of God is for the righteous and the reward belongs to them. Anyone who deceives or lies to look good, will have their day coming. God can do far greater than we could ever do to even the score and ultimately bring victory.

So this day my friend, listen to the song Heart of God by Zach Williams and know there is only love in the heart of God and love always wins.

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See the Victory

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Mark Shields

No one wins all the time because some are hamstrung … some are hobbled but with Jesus, all is won so see the victory and you will never fail as grace will give power for you to prevail. As we continue to run the race towards the finish line, let us read Psalm 52.

We note today that the mighty hero in this passage is Doeg who told Saul where David was and struck down all the priests as Saul ordered him. He is an opportunist who deceitfully plots against others to benefit himself. His main weapons were words of deceit and lies against others that he tells to powerful people in order to make himself look good.

The end of the mighty hero is the judgment of God. The corrupt man may get away with his lies and deceit for a while but God will eventually bring him down to everlasting ruin (v. 5). On the other hand, the heart of God is love for those who patiently follow His Way and let Him fight the battles.

David describes himself as an olive tree which symbolizes peace and friendship. The olive tree has a robust root system that regenerates itself after the above-ground structure of the tree is destroyed. It thrives in the area near the Mediterranean and lives a long fruitful life. David like an olive tree will flourish because he trust in God’s unfailing love (v. 8).

This day with God, let us strive to be like an olive tree too because the heart of God is for the righteous and the reward belongs to them. Anyone who deceives or lies to look good, will have their day coming. God can do far greater than we could ever do to even the score and ultimately bring victory.

This day with You God, we receive Your unfailing love that always brings victory. There are many challenges to face and sometimes those against us will be deceitful. We need Your spiritual weapons like faith, hope, and love. Because of grace, You Lord take the weight off our shoulders so we can run the race with endurance. Like an olive tree, You will regenerate us even if some want to destroy us. Because of Your love, we have the strength to withstand. We are Your people that offer peace and friendship because we have confidence in You taking control to push us to victory.

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Daily Quiet Time

Posted on February 26, 2023 by Mark Shields

A thought from a recent devotional is that sacrificing a little time and being obedient with a daily quiet time, prayer, and planning is a sure way to successfully get ready for the challenges each day brings.

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