Cord of Three Strands

Posted on April 13, 2022 by Mark Shields

At the wedding of my niece, it was pointed out in the ceremony that a marriage is a joining of a man and woman into a union of one. The couple both tied three stands of rope together to form the cross.

Within a good marriage, there is a third person; Jesus Christ intertwined to make the bond stronger. In reading Ephesians 5:21-33, we are taught that the love of Christ for the church is an example we should follow. To show devotion to Christ by growing to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head. From Christ the head, the whole body is joined and held together by every supporting ligament, growing and building itself up in love. Each part doing its work (Eph 4:15-16).

Within a marriage, the couple should submit to one another out of reference to Christ (v. 21). Husbands should love their wives just as Christ loved the church (Eph 5:25). A husband should be devoted and give himself up for his wife. Blessing his wife, lifting her up, listening, and caring for her.

The love between a husband and a wife should be sincere, wholesome, and stable as they grow old together knowing the best is yet to come. Each household, the church, and community is all about providing the Way to productive lives. Marriage unifies two as one much as the church unifies Jesus as one with its members providing the best Way to success in any society.

Help us to submit to Your Way Lord. To love You and love each other. If we do, the third person of Christ will be intertwined to make the bond stronger. To encourage one another, work together, and provide a blessing within our society. In Jesus name … Amen.

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Healing Rain of Faith

Posted on April 12, 2022 by Mark Shields

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. – Colossians 2:6-7

Brought out in “Strengthened in Faith as a Child” is that all who accept Christ as Savior are a child of God. The basis of our inspiration is that the love of God through the Son shines on us. Then we reflect the light and provide brightness for the lives of others.

Our faith provides a continuous healthy supply of the Spirit whereas the use of things of this world like alcohol or drugs ultimately harm a person’s wellbeing. Be inspired by the song Healing Rain by Michael W. Smith and share with others the healing rain of faith.

Index of devotionals

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Strengthened in Faith as a Child

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Mark Shields

Be encouraged because you are a child of God. Live each day knowing He is with you always and knowing the future with God will be beyond what you could imagine.

Reading in Ephesians 5:1-20, the admonition of verse one can be taken seriously because all who accept Christ as Savior, are a child of God. The basis of our inspiration is that the Son of God shines on us, we reflect the light and provide brightness into the lives of others.

Be the light in how you live. I remember one time when a bird got into the sanctuary at our church. The bird couldn’t get out but someone finally thought of turning out the lights and opening up a side door. The bird saw the light and escaped to freedom. It’s the same for us so open the door to the light. Then those trapped inside can see the light and escape to freedom.

This day with You God, we are thankful that we are strengthened in faith as Your child. Help us to be who You made us to be so we provide the spark that shines in dark places. May the love for us through Your Son Jesus shine on us and may we illuminate this light so it provides brightness for others! Amen.

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Forever

Posted on April 8, 2022 by Mark Shields

As this poem emphasizes, being liked and well thought of is short term but the victory for the causes of Christ is everlasting.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

To handle strife,
Build your life
On solid principles
That are invincible.

If thrown into fire
And things look dire,
You can keep pace
And finish the race.

There may be pressure 
But it becomes lesser
Since there’s a path
Away from the wrath.

In every endeavor
Forever … forever
Things fall in place
Because of grace.

Into your prime,
Throughout a lifetime
And even beyond
With Christ your bond.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 04-07-2022
Inspired by “Choose What Will Last Forever” Photo – The remains of an old Fort near Abilene Texas called Fort Phantom Hill. The only structures still standing are the stone fire places and the stone jail house. The rest of the fort was destroyed by a fire. Thought – Stone will last a lifetime and beyond. Being liked and well thought of is only short term but the victory for the…

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Give the World Back to God

Posted on April 7, 2022 by Mark Shields
Photo Credit : specialgathering.wordpress.com

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. –  Psalm 86:11

Explained in “Traits of the New Character” is that before God came to earth in the flesh, the world had a major problem but because of Jesus, humanity was pushed forward to change the world for the better. God made all things new by tearing down the traits of the old character as He came from up high down to earth in the flesh to explain values and teach about a new character.

Take inspiration from today’s song Back To God by Reba McEntire which says we need to get down on our knees, keep on praying, and give the world back to God.

Index of devotionals

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