Encouraged by Hope

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Mark Shields

We explored in the previous post about being enlightened which is noticing God all around us, relying on the Spirits’ prompting, and applying the Word as we look forward to the promise of a glorious future. In Hebrews 6:9-20, we look into God’s promise to Abraham which was to promise descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.

Two metaphors are used in Hebrews 6:18-19. First is hope which is described as an anchor for our soul. The other is curtain which describes how we were separated from God because of sin and the curtain was the division between humanity and God.

We learned from delving into the Word in Leviticus 16 that there were extreme consequences for disobeying the Lord during the time of Moses and to make atonement for sins, there had to be a sacrifice! For our sins to be banished today, Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice as we confess our sins and accept Him as Savior. Jesus enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain on our behalf as high priest.

As we confess, we are then blessed. So we are to love the Lord with all our heart, follow the Way, and continue to obey. We are to run the race with the finish line always in mind knowing where we are going because the Lord’s Way is aligned with the destination. We will persevere with passion in our heart to finish the race strong because the reward at the end of the finish line will be beyond what could ever be imagined.

When the headwinds of life try to push us back, keep going. Never get discouraged but maintain the hope and the Lord will help us handle anything because we know the Way, are prepared, and expect to be pulled through until the end. Keep reading the Word, keep applying it in life, and sharing the truths of the gospel with others. We will persevere because the Lord will be with us to finish strong.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

This day with You Lord, we have hope for the future because our questions have been answered. This hope is like an anchor when a ship at sea is going through rough waters. We also need an anchor to hold us steady in rough times and we are thankful that our hope in Jesus gets us through. Amen.

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The Power of Enlightenment

Posted on February 11, 2020 by Mark Shields

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

The scripture above and other memorized scriptures can be very useful when faced with pressure moments in life. As we find the goodness of the Word, collected is a treasure chest that grows in value throughout life.

In the post “Treasures for the Soul”, we explored the characteristics of being enlightened which comes about by noticing God all around us, relying on the Spirits’ prompting, and applying the Word. We are touch with the power of enlightenment and are ready to share with others the promise of a glorious future.

Finding faith, hope, and love truly are treasures for the soul. We are enlightened in many ways and one way is praising God in music. Take a moment to celebrate today with the song Through All of It by Colton Dixon.

We get it right sometimes
And wrong sometimes
But through all of it,
We do not worry
Because God is with us
On this life journey. 


Index of devotionals

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Treasures for the Soul

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Mark Shields

This day with God will be amazing because even though we are never 100% prepared for anything in life, God will make up the difference and we can step ahead with confidence. Today, we walk through Hebrews 6:1-8 as the journey continues.

The victory is for all who belong to Christ Jesus. The world has a way of looking for faults and exposing them so we end up never being good enough but with God there is no need to get stressed out. He’s big enough to make up the difference and provide that extra so we can finish a step ahead each day.

Today, we examine characteristics of being enlightened which is noticing God all around us, relying on the Spirits’ prompting, and applying the Word so we share in the promise of a glorious future. From today’s passage, the author makes the comment that it is impossible to become enlightened but then reject what God has to offer for the future.

Like in the picture below, branded in our mind is the Creators promise for a glorious future. Like a flourishing countryside of hills dressed in flowers, the morning sunrise rising over the hillside, or the glowing sunset slowly lowering into the valley below.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

On the Journey from here to there Lord, we need a life transforming relationship with You. We are each wonderfully made and You can take both our assets and liabilities and turn them into treasures for the soul. Today is the day we step ahead with confidence going from the basics to true spiritual growth. Amen.

 

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Flourish in Faith

Posted on February 7, 2020 by Mark Shields

This poem is inspired from 2 Timothy 4 from the Bible. Paul is nearing the end of his life on earth and gives Timothy instructions in planting seeds to grow the faith throughout the world. This day with God, let us plant seeds of the Gospel through our acts of kindness and concern for our neighbors. Let us set out to acquire specific virtues and discover that it’s not always what you get but what you grow to be that is rewarding.

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Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. – Psalm 100:4

God’ Spirit is with you
So experience
His power today
To be victorious.

Desire for all
To receive the same
As eternal rewards
Are the ultimate aim.

Continue to plant
Seeds of the Gospel
Through your kindness
And Being thoughtful.

Put in the work
To become very wise
And apply your faith
To receive the prize.

By Cultivating
Fruits of the Spirit
Impressively growing
In beauty explicit.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 01-02-2020
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – 2 Timothy 4”

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Desire the Power of the Spirit

Posted on February 6, 2020 by Mark Shields

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. – Philippians 2:13

In the post “Overcome with Desire and Enthusiasm”, the picture is my dog Marlee. She is ready each day to get up early for her food. The picture demonstrates how she was telling us she was ready to be fed as she hopped up on the chair next to the dinner table.

Just like the song Come to the Table by Sidewalk Prophets, we can be ready each day to come to the table and receive food for the soul.

Here is a poem as we step ahead to freedom today.

Let us receive the power
Of the Holy Spirit;
God with us today;
Together every hour.
Our strength; providing power,
Our hope; filled with delight.
Our fullness; of unlimited might.
Our unity; together as one.
Bringing victory; having fun. 



Index of devotionals

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