Shout for Joy

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Mark Shields

Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. – Psalm 33:3

The post “Make Every Day Count” has some thoughts about how the truth of Jesus being able to save all that come to Him impacts our thinking because a path has been cleared, momentum has shifted, and victory is in sight as we enthusiastically shout for joy.

Take inspiration from the video Joy by King & Country and make an impact today in the life of someone. Make a choice to step into the light, show others the light, choosing joy over sorrow, and not putting things off until tomorrow. 


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Make Every Day Count

Posted on February 24, 2020 by Mark Shields

This day with God will be amazing because we reminisce about the joys of the past, get excited for what’s to come, and are thankful for the path laid out. Today we are reading in Hebrews 7:18-28 as the truth impacts our thinking and our daily living.

The hope and covenant through Christ is much better than the hope and covenant through the law. The law was weak and useless (v. 18). The Levitical priests were imperfect so they had to offer sacrifices for their own sin before they could offer sacrifices for others. Also, their death prevented them from continuing their office.

The people were discouraged with the covenant through the law but Jesus has given us a better way. The hope and covenant through Jesus Christ is strong and useful. His sacrifice on the cross was done once for all to offer encouragement for the future. The priesthood of Jesus is forever and is with us always to intercede for abundant life on earth and has guaranteed eternal paradise in heaven.

The truth of Jesus being able to save all that come to Him impacts our thinking because a path has been cleared, momentum has shifted, and victory is in sight as we enthusiastically shout for joy. We can put our energy into things that are important and into activities that make an impact.

Many today may have a passion for something but many times it’s towards something that is leading nowhere. Fortunately, just as the morning turns into evening and the evening into night, God’s plan of daily renewal keeps one going towards better days ahead.

This day with You Lord, we will make today count by proclaiming Your eternal truths that are unchanging. We humbly come to You in prayer looking for answers to some issues but are excited for the future. We are worry free because we know that Your eternal light will shine forever.

 

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Build a Life with High Standards

Posted on February 21, 2020 by Mark Shields

This day with God, set out to follow the plan of the Architect of life. Be devoted and dedicated to this plan so that every detail is carried out. The skies the limit! Inch by inch anything is a cinch because of confidence in God. Trust in His plan for you and expect good to happen because He thinks you are AWESOME!

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

For a sky scrapper
To be constructed,
A plan is made
And work is conducted.

The plan of architects
And engineers
Are followed in detail
Which can take years.

It’s the same in life;
Build with a plan
And little things
Become bigger than.

By having a vision,
Setting a goal
To make big things happen
And rock and roll.

So tweak a thought,
Fine-tune an idea,
Be an overcomer,
Find your panacea.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 01-09-2020
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – Leviticus 1”

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The Perfect Life

Posted on February 20, 2020 by Mark Shields

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

Explained in the post “True Value” was that the perfect life of Jesus, death on the cross as a sacrifice, and resurrection from death qualified Him to be a priest forever and save all who accept Him as savior.

The new has come and the Holy Spirit lives in us. Take inspiration from the video Resurrection Power by Chris Tomlin. We have freedom today and resurrection power because of the perfect life of Jesus. 

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True Value

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Mark Shields

This day with God will be amazing because we are able to find treasure and share in these riches together. His Word is like silver or gold and today we are mining in Hebrews 7:11-17.

Remembering the Old Testament Law, only Levites could serve as priests but we are told in verses 13-14 that Jesus came from the tribe of Judah. So how did Jesus become qualified as priest?

We know today that Jesus became qualified because of being without sin. The perfect life of Jesus, death on the cross as a sacrifice, and resurrection from death qualified Him to be a priest forever and save all who accept Him as savior.

When the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed. The qualifications of Jesus supersede the law because of what He has done. His sacrifice on the cross did what the law couldn’t and that is cover all our sin so we can share in the unlimited treasure of spiritual riches forever.

A thought brought on by this study today is about our monetary system based on paper money. Today a person can be considered wealthy and then tomorrow, this wealth can vanish suddenly because of the decision of a federal bureaucrat or news of a product causing harm which causes the stock price to fall.

The gold standard is a monetary system where a country’s currency or paper money has a value directly linked to gold. As Christians, we have a system God has provided that brings true value for us right now and throughout eternity. That system is solid because of the life of Jesus and what was done for us. 

This day with You Lord, we have studied Your Word and understand the priceless treasure You provide. Your plan for our life is beyond what we could have ever imagined. The plan gives us freedom and gives us power because the Holy Spirit lives in us. Amen.

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