The Amazing Happens with Faith

This day with God, an amazing story that inspired lyrics to a top song.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

What is greatness and how does it happen?  Especially when there are difficulties we face daily … a family member is sick, a rough day at work, trying to balance work, home, and school work. When we face these difficult days but still have faith, that’s when the amazing happens.

One of these miracles inspired lyrics to the great song by Alabama “Angels Among Us”. The song was written by Becky Hobbs and Don Goodman. Hobbs survived a car accident after she felt her guardian angel had been looking after her. She had been getting premonitions leading up to the morning of her birthday on January 24, 1986 when the songwriter had another premonition.

 “A force took a hold of my arm and took me out into my front yard,“ she recalls. “I looked up at the January sky and asked, ‘What? What is it that you’re trying to tell…

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Take Action on the Lord’s Call

My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, that you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge. – Proverbs 5:1-2

A take away from the post “The Decision to Follow” was how Jesus related His ministry to the occupation or interests of the first disciples. In the same way, we can relate with others by understanding their interest so they might pay attention and take action on the Lord’s call for them.

Worship Him today with the song Way Maker by Leeland. Jesus is the way maker, the promise keeper, the miracle maker, and the Light in the darkness. That’s who Jesus is and He’s here among us. 
 

 

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The Decision to Follow

This day with God, let us focus on the Word found in Mark 1:14-20 as Jesus announces the Good News and appoints His first disciples. Jesus began preaching after John the Baptist was put in prison. The heart of His message was proclaiming the Good News of God concerning repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus calls His first disciples as He walked beside the Sea of Galilee. He saw Simon and his brother Andrew who were fishermen. Jesus asked them to follow Him so they could fish for people and they made the decision to follow. Then a little farther, He saw James and his brother John in a boat so He called them to follow. They left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Jesus.

Noticed within this passage is the occupation or trade of His first disciples. They were fishermen and Jesus was able to relate His ministry to their occupation. This helped the first disciples to understand the call of Jesus, pay closer attention, and take action. In the same way, we can help relate what people are interested in or what they do for a living with biblical principles.

Much of our life is directed by the low standards of this world rather than God’s higher standard. Success is defined by lofty incomes, nice cars, or an expensive house instead of vast spiritual assets like faith, hope, and love!

We can use software like excel and word to organize and retrieve spiritual assets to share with others by observing, listening to others, through music, art, nature, or even movies. Collect these spiritual assets to build up over time becoming faith muscles that never decline over time but only get stronger and stronger.

Our journey began with a decision to follow Jesus just like the first disciples in today’s passage. This day with You Lord will be amazing because our attention is undivided and thankful for the path provided. It’s a wonderful time to give praise for all the ways You have guided. Amen.

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Confidently Step Ahead

Plant good seeds and the good food of the Spirit will bring rich blessings. Continue the sense of wonder the gospel offers for you daily and share with others. The enthusiasm will be contagious and the harvest will be plentiful.  – Galatians 6:10 

A takeaway as explained in the post “Patience During Difficulty” is that God’s Word is a resource for life providing a treasure for our spiritual wealth to meet our needs and stay securely with us forever as we confidently step ahead. 

Never give up and take in the inspiration from the song Confidence by Sanctus Real. As you aspire for faith like Daniel in the lion’s den, Hope like Moses in the wilderness, a heart like David with the Lord as your defense, and face your giants with confidence.  
 

 

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Patience During Difficulty

The book of Mark is a written document of what Peter had been preaching. Reading in Mark 1:1-13, John the Baptist is the messenger preparing the way for the Lord. He appeared in the wilderness preaching of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (v. 4).

Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River and just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove (v. 10). Then Jesus is subjected to the harsh environment of the wilderness, being tempted by Satan for forty days.

Knowing that Jesus underwent this prolonged experience in utter loneliness helps us. It teaches us the lesson to be patient, keep praying, and keep taking in God’s Word. His Word is food for our soul to meet our needs. This resource of God stays securely with us forever to help step ahead now and into the everlasting future.

 Lord we pray for patience as we face our difficulties. We keep on praying, taking in Your Word, and stepping ahead knowing that You are with us now and forever. Amen.

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