Execution of the Plan

What competes against us are things like hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences. God provides a plan to victory over these competing forces and inspires with songs like “See a Victory” by Elevation Worship.

Mark Shields's avatarThis Day With God - A Spiritual Journey

For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

We contend with inner battles each day. Things like hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in our life that lead to failure. As brought out in the post “Doing What Makes Us Victorious”, God has a His plan for us but effort is needed to execute the plan properly.

The Word of God is alive and active. Receive this plan found in His Word, execute the plan, and as this song by Elevation Worship points out: See a Victory. The story has a good ending because the battle belongs to the Lord. He will take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good.

Index of devotionals

View original post

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, victory | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Confident that Faith is Rewarded

Gain confidence by reaching up for God’s hand, continuing to do virtuous deeds, and waiting patiently for your eternal reward. For more inspiration and confidence, read this poem as we grow in faith together.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

We face many trials 
 Much tribulation
 But there is a reward
 An eternal destination

  
 So keep running the race
 In God’s design
 Running to win
 Toward the finish line
  
 With Confidence 
 Use faith to withstand
 Working together 
 Giving each a hand
  
 Taking on the challenge
 But never bewildered
 Because each task done 
 Becomes a faith builder
  
 Staying focused 
 Not drifting away 
 But maintaining hope
 For each day 

Poem by Mark Shields – © 02-04-2021

Inspired by

Confident that Faith is Rewarded

View original post

Posted in Poems | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Execution of the Plan

For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

We contend with inner battles each day. Things like hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in our life that lead to failure. As brought out in the post “Doing What Makes Us Victorious”, God has His plan for us but effort is needed to execute the plan properly.

The Word of God is alive and active. Receive this plan found in His Word, execute the plan, and as this song by Elevation Worship points out: See a Victory. The story has a good ending because the battle belongs to the Lord. He will take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, victory | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Doing What Makes Us Victorious

This day with God will be amazing as we read Deuteronomy 27 and carry out His plan for us. In today’s passage, Moses and the elders of Israel told the people of the plan as they cross the Jordan into the Promised Land. A solemn ceremony would be held to renew their pledge to God. They would celebrate blessings on Mount Gerizim and acknowledge curses on Mount Ebal. These mountains are west of the Jordan River about 35 miles north of Jerusalem.

The blessings would be received if God’s commands were obeyed but curses would result if His commands were not obeyed. These curses are similar to the Ten Commandments in that they were statements of Law inscribed on stone. They were different than the Ten Commandments in that the Levites would recite them and the people would respond.

The covenant in Canaan was more about actions done in secret. The areas of life violated in the covenant had more to do with our relationships. Our affiliation to God, to our parents, and to each other. 

To step ahead towards victory, there is the need to be creative and do things no one else can do. In our journey of faith, there is a need to step ahead of hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in our life that keep us down. We need to desire authenticity, sincerity, and the certainty that God provides.

I’m reminded today of a book I read recently called, “Courage Beyond the Game” about the 1969 Texas Longhorn football team and a player named Freddie Steinmark. The team used an offense known as the wishbone. Once this offensive scheme got going, no one could stop it and they won the championship. In the years to follow, many other teams adopted this offensive system.

In recent times, churches have been challenged because of Coronavirus. For months, they have had to come up with ways to continue to meet together. Many use software to meet virtually. The below photo is my iPhone showing an app that my church developed. You can download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

We can use technology to make a positive impact on our life. Just a click away are scriptures, sermons, Christian blogs, and uplifting music. Available from any place or any time just by using our phone.

This day with You Lord, we receive Your plan for us. We come to You in prayer to ask for help in the execution of this plan and for us to see the victory ahead. To step ahead of hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in our life. Let us be honest with ourselves by reflecting on the past and gaining the edge over these negative things that hold us back so we return to doing what makes us victorious. 

Posted in Bible Study, victory | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Seek Ye First

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. – Matthew 6:33

In the post “Stepping Ahead in Obedience”, a take away was that the first fruit and tithe was an acknowledgement of God’s past help and continual care for the future. He had provided for them as they went from being oppressed in Egypt to receiving the wealth of the Promised Land.

As in the song Seek You by Evie, we too should seek God daily! We can cast our cares on Him and walk in His Ways. If we seek God first, He will flourish the Land and the enemies like poverty, doubt, and fear will not stand.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Initiative | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment