Carried to a Place of Peace and Joy

The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. – Isaiah 58:11

We all face difficult days but as explained in the post “Desolation to Restoration”, things will fall into place because of God’s grace.

Like in the song Carry Me by Josh Wilson, go to God in prayer for help. Let Him carry you to a place of peace and joy. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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Desolation to Restoration

This day with God, things will fall into place because of His grace. Because of the Savior, there is a change in behavior; following where He leads and doing good deeds; accepting the truth and teaching our youth; learning His ways and giving Him praise.

Reading today in Hebrews 8:7-13, explained are the reasons for God initiating the new covenant. The old covenant continues to exist but a better Way has been provided to accomplish the old covenant as Jesus restores humanity from a place of desolation to restoration.

The old covenant was inadequate for bringing salvation because the people were not faithful and it was difficult for them to follow so they sought other ways. God overcomes this difficulty faced in humanity by providing someone to follow. He provided His Son as an example to follow. This new covenant results in salvation to all who accept Jesus Christ so the Holy Spirit can help lead along the journey of life.

The new covenant is fueled by the power of God’s grace. It is not in the following of laws but desiring the law so that it is ingrained inside and pleases the soul. People then automatically do as God pleases because the new Way becomes a part of who they are.

The baggage from the past that weighs one down is released so the impediments, barriers, and obstacles no longer have the same effect. Through prayer, there is power for these obstacles to be set aside because a person is not doing it on their own but has a team behind them.

So give praise today. Seek to be uplifted by memories, by what the future might bring, and by our victory in Jesus. Be excited each day. Many times we think that exciting things in life are far away and we have to spend money for vacations far away to see beautiful things but in reality, exciting things may be right in your back yard. A sunset, a sunrise, wildlife, or birds in the sky.

A golden sunset that pierces through and colors the clouds may give an inspiring lift after a difficult day. The picture below of a sunset was taken only about three miles from my house at Woodway Park in Waco Texas. It’s the first time I’ve been to the park. There may be hidden treasures near you today that you can seek and get excited about.

Lord, You are with us always as we face challenges each day. You are unlimited and a part of this unrestrained ability is in everyone who has accepted Jesus Christ. With Christ, we can endure distress because we know You will bless. We can grow, change, share, and rearrange as you pick up the slack. We increase the pace along the journey because of the powerful fuel for our bodies that we take in called grace. Amen.

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Offerings of Praise

Obedience is the mechanism that provides a clear path. Then tedious chores are endurable & one becomes convinced that each task brings them closer to fulfilling their purpose. This day with God, make it your purpose to love what God loves and share with others.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

This day with God,
Use this device
To direct the way
To paradise.

We face disappointment,
Suffering, and loss
But inspiration
Because of the cross.

So set aside wants
But get joy indeed
Because God has given
All that we need.

Just step ahead
On the sure way
Helping each other
To trust and obey.

Sharing testimony,
Studying God’s ways,
Doing good deeds,
And offerings of praise.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 01-16-2020
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – Leviticus 2

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Focus On What Truly Matters

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8

Within the post “Amazing Vista of Hope”, one truth given is that Christ’s ministry as High Priest is superior to the ministry of earthly priests. His sacrifice was done once for all so that the Holy Spirit is with us now and forever.

Like the song I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe, we can dream about what it will be like when we are called to be with Jesus or when He comes back again. We are lifted up today by this thought and it helps us focus on what truly matters. Our eternal destiny rather than personal worldly legacy.
 

 

Index of devotionals

 

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Amazing Vista of Hope

This day with God, let us focus in on the Word presented to us in Hebrews 8:1-6 to gain more understanding in how to apply it to our life and reveal to others for their benefit. Each day, we are stepping ahead along the journey constantly looking out from the precipice to reveal God’s glory.

Today, we observe that the duty of a priest is to represent people in matters related to God and to offer sacrifices for sins. Because of Christ now being our High Priest representing us as ultimate sacrifice for sins, there is no more separation from God. The Holy Spirit lives in us and we can help people make a closer step to God so that the future can be one of joy for all.

The earthly sanctuary is a model for Christ’s ministry but the heavenly sanctuary where Jesus Christ is High priest is far superior to the earthly sanctuary for Levitical priests. Instead of continual animal sacrifice on earth, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was done once for all and last forever.

This new covenant in which Christ is our High Priest changes our way of life and our thinking. We have time to focus on the individual strengths God has given each of us. Each strength is then arranged to work together so many can see this amazing vista of hope offered to all.

This day with You Lord as we continue along the journey, help us to focus on what is most important. What matters most is to reveal the new covenant in which Christ is our High Priest. Help us to use our individual gifts to reveal Your glory to others. Use us and keep our eyes on Your Way so we are constantly looking out from the amazing vista of hope.

 

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