A Trace of Faith

This day with God will be amazing because we will gain momentum today from reading Mark 9:14-29. Like a small seed growing into a huge tree or a tiny spark growing into a raging fire, it only takes a trace of faith to enter the mind and grow in our hearts. Eventually this small trace of faith will multiply to crowd out the negatives so that there is only the overwhelming power of faith.

In today’s reading, Jesus returns from the mountaintop and the disciples are involved in trying to cast out a demon from a boy who had been stricken for a long time. The boy was having convulsions but the disciples were helpless and ineffective. Once Jesus takes over, the demons inside the boy were driven out.

So we learn that in order to receive the power, we must first believe. As Jesus explains in verse 23, all things are possible for one who believes. After this miracle, they go indoors and the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we drive out the demon from the boy?” Jesus replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

What specific steps can we take to grow our faith and improve our prayer life? One idea I had recently was to pray while taking walks in my neighborhood. The photo above was taken on one of those early morning walks as the sun rises.

This day with You Lord, we now turn on the power of prayer. We have confidence that You are big enough to meet all our needs; to satisfy our souls. BIGGER than we could have ever imagined. Like the doubting disciples who could not heal the boy, we sometimes have doubts but You give us confidence. You are with us and prepare us for each day with just a trace of faith. Amen.

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Rest for the Soul

Presented at this Link or by clicking on the video below are some ideas for getting rest for your soul. You were made to work and God made you to be productive using the strengths He has gifted you with but you were also made to enjoy the fruits of this work.

Worship online via FUMC at this link https://firstwaco.com/ or Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

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Clear Perspective

Because of Jesus, we have a clear perspective with a plan for a bridge to eternity. Accept today’s blessing with the inspiring song “I’m Building a Bridge” by Earnie Haase & Signature Sound.

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

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2

The post “Bridge to Eternity” is about the new covenant teaching of Jesus towards the new Way. This teaching provides a means to keep our perspective clear as we embrace the will of God and passionately fulfill the purpose He has given us.

This day with God, receive this blessing of a clear perspective, new energy, and inspiration to accomplish God’s will. To celebrate, here’s the song I’m Building A Bridge by Earnie Haase & Signature Sound.

Index of devotionals

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Enlightenment

This day with God, receive the enlightenment that benefits your soul with faith, hope, and love. Read today’s poem and pray for the Holy Spirit to give instructions for your day.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

We all look forward
To a worldly promise
Of a great future
But let’s be honest.

The world has a way
Of finding a fault,
Opening a wound
And adding in salt.

But enlightenment
Gives sight to the blind
With a Godly promise
Branded in our mind.

Like a flourishing
Countryside hill
Dressed in flowers
We meet the bill.

With His plan for us,
We gain favor
To step ahead
With Christ the Savior.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 10-29-2020
Photo Credit – Bing Images
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – Treasures of the Soul

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Promises

And the Words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. – Psalm 12:6

As brought out in the post “Count on It”, the promises of the Old Testament will be fulfilled in the New Testament! We can count on it.

How many times have you been promised something that truly comes about? The world shifts and changes but as in the song Solid As The Rock by Avalon, our faith is solid as a rock.

Index of devotionals

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