Unfinished Masterpiece

Posted on July 10, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God, let us take in the discipline from His Word found in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 which explains the characteristics that pastors should have including being faithful to their spouse, being temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and good teachers of the scriptures.

We should all strife for similar characteristics like being respectable, sincere, honest, and disciplined. We should seek to be a good leaders of our families who loves, disciplines, and instructs family members about life. We should try to eliminate the negative characteristics from our life like drinking too much alcohol, violence, being argumentative, or greedy.

To eliminate the negatives and gain the positives, take action daily by first reading from the Bible to find rich treasure from the gospel to pass on to others. This day with God will be amazing because we are daily gaining treasure from God’s Word. We enthusiastically seek His guidance in how best to live. We endure distress knowing God will bless. We are slow to anger because we are anchored to God’s love from above.

Keep on working as you make the climb. I’m reminded of the photo below I took of my daughter in front of Jacob’s Ladder on the campus of Abilene Christian University. It’s a monument depicting Jacob’s dream of a ladder connecting earth and heaven. The negatives in our life can become building blocks to a brighter future as we step ahead higher and higher.

Jacob’s Ladder at Abilene Christian University

The world is a flawed place but because we have grace polishing the flaws, Christ connecting us to God’s power through the Spirit, and devotion filling in the rough spots, we are creating a masterpiece as our offering to God.

This day with You Lord we are gaining progress because we are connected to You. Each step we take is closer to You as we make the climb to our destination. We are giving You the best part of each day, praying, and staying connected to our source of power. Amen.

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Encouragement

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Mark Shields

Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. – Job 4:4

One takeaway from the post “Powerful Words” is the amazing guidance and instruction you can get from the Bible. Words are powerful as they can fill you up or break you down. Let us take in words of life, of truth, and of value.

This day with God, be encouraged by the song He is with Us by Love & the Outcome and live with enthusiasm. Live each day knowing He is with you always and with passion knowing the future with Him will be beyond what you could imagine.


Index of devotionals

 

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Powerful Words

Posted on July 8, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God, let us take in the encouragement, instruction, and guidance from His Word. In 1 Timothy 2:8-15, adverbs are used to help describe the actions we should take. Adjectives are used giving color in order to paint a clear picture of the words written.

One take away from today’s passage is that words are powerful. This day with God, be encouraged and live with enthusiasm. Live each day knowing He is with you always and with excitement in knowing the future with Him will be beyond what you could imagine.

For many, one controversy from today’s passage might be the role of women brought out at the end of the passage. This role has changed tremendously since Paul’s time. Women are now taking on leadership roles running billion dollar business and organizations.

One young lady that has become a role model for young girls is Sadie Robertson the daughter of Willie Robertson of the reality TV show “Duck Dynasty”. She wrote a New York Times bestselling book about faith and Christian values called “Live Original” and tours around the country encouraging young people and their families.

The picture below was taken a few years ago at the Sadie Robertson Live Original in San Antonio. The picture is of the Christian band “Love & the Outcome”.

Love & The Outcome in San Antonio at Sadie Robertson’s Live Original

This day with You God, we are thankful for the words in the picture above that affirms who we are “Your Child”.  Words are so powerful because they direct our life. They can tear down relationships or build them up. We ask for wisdom in using the right words today at the right time to give a lift to others in their time of need. Amen.

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Armor to Win our Battles

Posted on July 5, 2019 by Mark Shields

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. – Ephesians 6:16

The post “Faith and Integrity” points out what is needed to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. We can trust in God because He provides the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.

Take inspiration from today’s song I Will Trust in You by Lauren Daigle. This day with God, be patient and trust. Have faith because God provides the armor to win our battles. We are assured of victory because of the power of God that comes from accepting Christ as Savior. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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Faith and Integrity

Posted on July 3, 2019 by Mark Shields

The goal is loving God and His people. Reading in 1 Timothy 1:18 through 2:7, to meet the goal requires following God’s plan for us which is a meshing of a pure heart and a good conscience. Accepting Jesus and then carrying out the daily activities that meet the goal.

The TRUTH of the law provides a road map to our destination and a relationship with Christ provides the power to get us there. If you know you are doing what needs to be done, then your faith is stronger and can be a weapon in the fight against the things that are obstacles along the Way.

God desires that all know the TRUTH and the power of a relationship with Christ to win our battles. Because of Christ, we have unlimited access to God through prayer. As we pray, we will be shown the Way and how to overcome the obstacles to ultimate victory.

Lord, this day with You will be amazing because prayer mixed with faith gives growth to all good thoughts, ideas, and plans.  To get places and accomplish things that matter, we know the importance of taking the path You have laid. Your Way to TRUTH and the power we receive in accepting Christ has given us the faith and integrity needed to gain our victory. Amen.

 

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