Momentum Changers

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. – Ephesians 2:8

In the post “Rewards for following the Way”, emphasis is given to the importance of having reminders of God’s provision in our life. When the going gets tough, these reminders change our outlook so we are keyed up towards being obedient.

That’s why a day is set aside each week called the Sabbath. This day reminds us of the victory that Christ brings in our life and changes momentum for our future. It’s a thought we can share with others so they can also be reminded of the victory.

Take a few minutes to enjoy the song O Praise Him by David Crowder, reblog this post with others, and be reminded that God provides music for our ears, laughter for our souls, and a rainbow after every storm.

 

 

Index of devotionals

 

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Rewards for Following the Way

We seek the Lord every day and believe in His Way. Today, we are thankful for His provision and grateful for all we receive as it becomes food for our soul.

As we read Leviticus 26, we are reminded that the Lord established the decrees, the laws, and regulations at Mount Sinai between himself and the Israelites through Moses. If the Israelites would keep the Sabbath, they would be rewarded for obedience. God would set things up and things would fall into place for them to prosper. They would overcome those who opposed them and the Lord would grant them favor.

Unfortunately, they didn’t keep the Sabbath and idolatry filled the void. The result was exactly what God said it would be. Terror, diseases, and lack of food. They did not correct their course so life got unbearable as they headed in the wrong direction. Their enemies ruled over them and wild animals killed their livestock so they could not thrive. Their land was laid waste and cities were ruined.

Because the people could not follow the decrees, the laws, and regulations, He sent His Son to the rescue and there is a reward for following God’s New Way. Because of grace, we get a new chance every day because through Christ we are perfect in His eyes.

Noah is the perfect role model for obedience. He was faithful to the call and persevered in building the ark.  In Genesis 9, the rainbow became a way to remind the people of the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures on earth.

Noah had many setbacks and faced ridicule from those around him but persevered to fulfill the purpose God had for him. When we make a comeback after a bad day and keep at it, the reward is always more satisfying. Let us keep our eye on the reward and remain confident that God will set things up so the breaks will start going our way.

We face stressful times, ridicule, and setbacks in our lifework but if we maintain the passion, God will send the inspiration. Believe that God will provide music for your ears, laughter for your soul, and a rainbow after every storm. The photo below was taken one morning as I was heading into the office and gave comfort during some stressful times when a major project was due. It stretched from one end of the lake to the next.

This day with God, we are reminded of the victory Christ brings in our life. This changes our momentum for our day and will push us towards being obedient in not only accepting the Good News but also in sharing with others about God’s New Way to victory. Amen.

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Follow the Light

Dwelling in darkness,
Overcome with despair,
And a world in need
Of major repair.

Then came the birth
That changed the outlook;
The birth of Jesus
Explained in God’s book.

His story of a Savior
To set us free
And help us be
All we can be.

So get involved
In His story
And celebrate
All His glory.

By being ready always
To follow the Light
And receive the gift
Of a future so bright.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-22-2018
Image Source – Bing Images

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Pass It On

After writing the poem “Pass It On”, I produced the video below by the same name. It was inspired from a sermon of my pastor Ryan Barnett. The historical story of Christ did not start with the birth a little over 2,000 years ago but actually started with Adam and Eve. You are a part of His story. Christmas is a time when we see God working miraculously at the least likely place and at the least likely time! Similar to passing the light at a candlelight service, the Light of Christ is passed from person to person.

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Christmas Star

Just like the wise men
Looking for Jesus again
Gaze for a star today
To lead the way

Search with persistence
Even under resistance
The star may be a friend
Or new song to send

The star may be a sermon topic
Inspiring many to be philanthropic
The star may be a Bible verse
So negative thoughts disperse

Find what can’t be seen
The intangibles we glean
Invest in one another
To help us go further

And to be led to Jesus
The ONE born for all of us
So the Spirit is among us
Turning a negative to a plus

Born for the person next door
In need of being cared for
Born for a colleague
Distressed from fatigue

Receive the gift for our questions
As the Spirit gives suggestions
A gift for our struggles
And all our troubles

For the negative past is undone
By accepting His Son
Changing our behavior
And gaining His favor

By Mark Shields – © 12-11-2014

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