Count On It

This day with God will be amazing because what is stated in the Bible always comes about so let us take in the Word found in Mark 9:2-13 to learn from the past, walk in the present, and receive encouragement for the future.

In today’s passage, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with Him up on a high mountain where they witness the transfiguration of Jesus. The cloths of Jesus become dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus (vv. 3-4).

Verse 7 underscores the identity of Jesus as the Son of God as a cloud appeared and covered them. Then a voice from the cloud says, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” The promises of God are built on truth and we can rest assured that the promises are fulfilled.

What was promised in the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament. We can count on it and like the photo below, the words of the Lord are flawless like silver or gold.

This Day with You Lord, we mine for silver and gold as we explore Your Word further. What is promised in Your Word comes about. We can count on it. Thank You for grace and power through Your Son Jesus. Amen

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Clear Perspective

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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Bridge to Eternity

Suspension Bridge that crosses the Brazos River in Waco Texas

The photo above is the Waco Suspension Bridge. It was built for the purpose of crossing the time-consuming and sometimes dangerous ordeal of circumventing the Brazos River near Waco Texas. It supported commerce and was a crossing point as they drove cattle up the Chisholm Trail.

In the photo below, the statues of the cowboy on his horse and the cow where built in honor of that historic past. That’s my family in front of the monuments and the bridge is in the background.

It took a lot of time and effort to build that bridge but if there is a plan, there is a better shot at getting things done. Things will fall in place and we will get a lot more done than we ever thought we could. Not all plans are perfect but God’s plan for us is a plan that is perfect because God knows the past, the present, and the future. Our bridge to eternity was built by the only qualified candidate who is fully human and fully divine!

We find out more today in reading Mark 8:27 through 9:1 about God’s plan. Jesus has two questions for the disciples: one is “Who do people say I am?” The other is “Who do you say I am?” They drew from knowledge or evidence and replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets (v. 28).” Peter responded that you are the Messiah.”

Jesus then predicts His death on the cross and introduces a paradox to their old thinking.  That there would be victory through death because there would be the resurrection and the power of transformation with new freedom, energy, and purpose for all followers.

This new covenant teaching for the followers towards the new Way provides a means to keep our perspective clear as we embrace the will of God and are passionate in accomplishing the purpose He has given us.

The hindrances to discipleship may include lack of time or lack of resources but mostly, it’s just a lack of energy or initiative. Rather than have a world view like Peter, let’s have a godly perspective. Ask for God’s help to meet the objective and form a plan To be effective. With a heavenly perspective, our energy never drains and God forever reigns.

This day with You Lord, we are thankful for the bridge built for us to eternity. This is Good News for us as we cross over to victory by repenting, asking for forgiveness, and receiving the blessing. Our perspective is clear, our energy level is higher, and we will embrace Your will to passionately accomplish the purpose You have given us. Amen.

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All Saints’ Sunday

Nobody is perfect, everyone is welcome, and anything is possible as pointed out at this Link or by clicking on the video below.

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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Food for the Soul

One small thing can lead to something big. Reading a poem that inspires may start something big. It may initiate something in your life or in the life someone you share this with to accept Christ as Savior and bring more enthusiasm for the days ahead.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Taking in food
That is good for the soul,
Makes us whole,
Keeps God in control.

Enthusiastically
Taking in goodness,
Striving for excellence
With a cheerfulness.

That overflows
In our actions
To fulfill a purpose
Without distractions.

Since Adam and Eve,
A lethal disease
Brought on by sin
And life is no breeze.

But Jesus was born
And the disease is cured
With a dose of grace,
Eternity is ensured.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 10-15-2020
Inspired by “Overcome with Desire and Enthusiasm
Photo – The picture is my dog Marlee. She is ready each day to get up early for her food. She jumped up on the chair next to the table and it was her way to tell us she was ready to be fed. In the same way, we should be ready each day just like Marlee to come to the table and receive…

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