Offerings of Praise

Posted on February 28, 2020 by Mark Shields

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

Posted on February 27, 2020 by Mark Shields

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.
 

 

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Amazing Vista of Hope

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Mark Shields

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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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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