Keeping Our Eyes on the ONE Who Brings the Son Shine

It is a lack of focus that has a way of causing havoc and becoming the real enemy against us. May this poem inspire you to focus more on God’s plan for you!

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Lack of focus 
Always has a way 
Of causing havoc
Which is not okay. 

But today is a new day
As we focus on the ONE
Who changed everything;
Jesus Christ the Son!

God in the flesh
From up high to come here
That changed our winter
To the summer.

Each wonderful day 
Can be that way in life
Going from bad to good
With a lot less strife.

If we keep our eyes 
On the ONE who brings 
All we need to fly high
As on eagle’s wings.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 09-23-2021
Inspired by
“Keeping Our Eyes on the ONE Who Brings the Son Shine” Photo – In just a few hours, the weather in Texas can change very quickly as the photos prove. The first photo was taken in the morning and the second photo was taken just hours later in the afternoon…

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Shining Over Us

And I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.  – Philippians 1:12

The post “Equipped with the Light” offered some thoughts in how to apply our faith even if faced with difficulties.

It is in dark times that light is the brightest so let us be inspired and equipped with the bright light of Christ.

We give praise with the song God of Brilliant Lights by Aaron Shust as He shines over us to cover all the earth with a bright future.

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Equipped with the Light

When the Son of God shines on you my friend, you cannot help but reflect the bright light and provide some sunshine into the lives of others. Reading today in 1 Peter 3:13 through 4:6, we will offer some thoughts in how to shine our light even if faced with difficulties. It is in darkness that light is the brightest so let us begin today inspired and equipped with the light of Christ.

The passage today tells us to be prepared for opposition from those who reject Christ as Savior. We may get ridiculed and thought to be weird like the people thought about Noah when he built the Ark. Even if suffering for following the instructions from God, do not fear or panic for there are better days ahead. Our enemies may hurt us with what they say but if we trust in God, everything will be okay.

We should maintain a clear conscience toward God and how we treat others by taking every opportunity to share with others about Christ.  If faced with persecution, we should keep living by the will of God rather than human passions. There is a greater advantage to being equipped with the light of Christ because we are confident that the future will be bright. Also, we will remain persistent because the reward is beyond what could be imagined.

We can’t go back into the past but we can do better going forward into the future. That’s why for true happiness, we have accepted Christ in our heart and have changed from the inside out. With Christ in our heart, there is eternity to look forward to and it only gets better each day.

This day with You Lord, we are building on the solid foundation of Your Word and pray today for opportunities to bless others. There is no greater help than being inspired and equipped with the bright light of Christ in whose name we pray today … Amen.

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Affirmation to Step Ahead in Faith

Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. – 1 Thessalonians 5:13

The take away in the post “Building Memories Together” is that Christian living is becoming the person God wants us to be. Seeking out and taking in what is appropriate but rejecting what is unsuitable. It’s loving life, living in harmony, holding neighbors in high regard, and seeing good days ahead.

This day with God, let His Word give you the plan and receive inspirations from songs like Walk by Faith by Jeremy Camp. Inspired by the song, this poem is an affirmation to step ahead in faith to victory.

I see God’s face
And He makes me new
With His amazing grace
Covering all I do.

I step ahead in faith
Even when I can’t see
As the broken world
Prepares God’s will for me.

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Build Memories Together

Neighbors need to get to know each other, build each other up, and build memories together. This photo was taken before a July 4th parade in my neighborhood in 2009. The kids on their bikes now have their own cars. Some have gone off to college. Some neighbors and their families have moved to different communities but we stay in touch and continue to build memories.

Following God’s Way builds memories and we want others to join us on our journey as we receive God’s Plan For Us.   We then execute His plan together as we walk by faith to victory. Reading today in 1 Peter 3:1-12, we receive God’s ideas for good relationships and good marriages.

Wives should strive for inner beauty with a gentle and quiet spirit instead of outward adornment of fine clothes or jewelry. Husbands, should treat their wives with respect and consider their needs. Both husband and wives should love one another, be compassionate, and humble. Always seeking peace and encouragement in their relationship.

Jesus is our example to follow in our relationships. He submitted to God’s will and in a marriage, two are working together as one to build a life that glorifies God by living in His power. In so doing, we please God because we are a good spouse, a good parent, a good worker, and a good neighbor that makes an impact on others for His purposes.

This day with You Lord, we want to have good relationships. In so doing, we glorify You Lord. We become the person You want us to be and make an impact on others because they see Your power at work in us. Then families are strong, neighbors live in harmony, and we all see amazing days ahead. Amen.

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