You Can with the Plan

Posted on July 5, 2022 by Mark Shields

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

Within “Hearts on Fire”, the point made is that it makes all the difference when we believe our redeemer lives and we follow the plan. If a difficult past has been faced, it can be set aside and we can enthusiastically build a brighter future together.

Take inspiration from the video Team Hoyt – A Father’s Love (My Redeemer Lives). The video is based on a remarkable true story of a father’s devotion to his wheelchair-bound son and how their bond inspired millions of people worldwide.

Born a spastic quadriplegic, Rick Hoyt was written off by numerous doctors. They advised his parents, Dick and Judy, to put their firstborn son in an institution but his parents were determined to give their son every opportunity that “normal” kids had.

Then one day Rick asked his dad to enter a charity race and Rick wanted to run too so his dad would have to push his wheelchair while running the race. They were determined to overcome every obstacle that was put in their way and finished the race.

Then over the years, they ran over one thousand races as Dick Hoyt pushed Rick’s wheelchair, including marathons and triathlons. They continued to inspire millions embodying their trademark motto of “Yes, you can.”

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Hearts on Fire

Posted on July 4, 2022 by Mark Shields

Our aim as followers of Christ is to keep in mind that our redeemer lives. With this thought in mind, believers have a passion for doing what is beneficial for all because the Holy Spirit is aflame.  Even in difficulty, our past can be set aside and we can look forward to better days ahead as we work together with hearts on fire for the Lord.

Reading today in Job 19, we note that Job thinks the source of his troubles come directly from God who has drawn his net around him (v. 6), blocked his way (v. 8), and uprooted his hope like a tree (v. 10). Job says the hand of God has struck him (v. 21).

The attitude of everyone around Job like his family and friends was negative. They see him as a stranger, he’s offensive, and they detest him. Job was in a bad place in life. He didn’t know that it was Satan causing all his problems yet he had faith in his redeemer.

Job says this in verse 25, “I know that my redeemer lives”. This thought makes all the difference because when we believe our redeemer lives, we can enthusiastically build a brighter future. This day with God, take inspiration from the poem below.

Step Ahead to Victory 

Step Ahead to victory
Receiving the power 
Of the Holy Spirit
For every hour. 

An amazing power
To make things right
With strength that provides
Unlimited might. 

With unity 
Working as one
Towards victory 
Because of the Son.

This day with You Lord, we have faced difficulties in the past and we will face difficulties in the future but it makes all the difference when we know that You are with us. You are pushing us ahead as we set aside the past and enthusiastically look forward to a brighter future together when we make it to the finish line. Amen

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Poetry Friday 07-01-2022

Posted on July 1, 2022 by Mark Shields

A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the post “Servant Attitude”. Greatness is found when we serve others. By living this way, we bring more to society than personal recognition. We bring acceptance, appreciation, and affirm others as a child of God.

As the song Come To the Table by Sidewalk Prophets points out, grace starts from the outside looking in. It meets us where we are to help us win. Everyone can come to the table and take their place beside the Savior.

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Keep Spreading the Light

Posted on June 30, 2022 by Mark Shields

The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus by asking what they should do to a woman caught in adultery and if they should follow the Law by stoning her. Jesus said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” – John 8:7

We noted in “The Light Changes Everything” that Bildad accused Job of wrongdoing but Job needed sympathy. Only God knows the full story of someone’s life so rather than condemn someone, build them up.

Like the song Forgiven by Sanctus Real says, those who accept God’s plan are a treasure in the arms of Christ. Keep spreading the Light that is available to all who accept Christ as Savior. They are forgiven and the lamp beside continues to shine brighter and brighter.

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The Light Changes Everything

Posted on June 29, 2022 by Mark Shields

Starting the day with a frame of mind consisting of fear, confusion, and darkness causes one to lose their edge for a great day. Instead, think of what good things are going on and this will build momentum for a wonderful day.

Continuing the journey in Job 18, Bildad offers advice for Job to not be so angry but listen to what his friends are telling him. He accuses Job of being too self-absorbed. Bildad gives illustrations of evil’s ruin.

  • The lamp beside them goes out until only darkness remains (v. 5)
  • They are trapped in a net (v. 8)
  • Calamity eats at their skin (v. 13)
  • Their roots dry up and their branches wither (v. 16)

What we can get from today’s passage is that temptations are traps set by Satan but the righteous person is freed from what entangles. The lamp beside them never goes out. Their body is healthy and their soul is replenished eternally with the water that provides nourishment for them to grow like a tree with their branches spreading from the trunk providing shade in the hot summer heat.

Bildad accuses Job of wrongdoing but Job needed sympathy. Only God knows the full story of someone’s life so rather than condemn someone, keep spreading the Light that grows brighter and brighter. 

Our mood can determine how we view things. Looking at life from a different point of view changes everything. Jesus changed things and a bright future exists. Because of the Cross and accepting the love of God through Jesus, we have a bright future that even grows brighter as we claim it and reveal it to others.

This day with You Lord, You are with us and it is a new and glorious morning. We have hope to keep going with opportunities to be a blessing. We know the outcome is in Your hands Lord because You are in charge. We will keep working hard, keep being faithful, and have confidence because we know You are with us setting up a bright future. Amen.

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