The Less Traveled Road

Posted on November 20, 2019 by Mark Shields

Underlying all the commands in Leviticus 19 is devotion to God rather than idols. To the sanctity of God’s Law as laid out in the Ten Commandments. To have attitudes of respect to parents, the elderly, and to fellow neighbors. Common sense attitudes for a society that helps rather than harms one another.

The application of these commands has universal purpose even today. God is great and a society that follows these commands will glorify Him with a culture for greatness. The Ten Commandments allow us to pay attention to the most important issues along our journey through life together.

Just like in the day of Moses when the people created many gods, the gods we create like money, sports, job, and even family are full of promises we can’t keep but the ONE true God has come through on a promise through His Son which has opened the door to an awesome future. So let us accept this promise and take the less traveled road of self-sacrifice but the one that leads to eternal paradise.

This day with You Lord will be amazing because we will keep focused on what matters most. Each of us has a purpose You have given us and we will be available to use this purpose  for Your glory. Our attention is undivided; thankful for the path You have provided. It’s a wonderful time to give praise for the ways You have guided. Amen.

 

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Honor God with Your Bodies

Posted on November 19, 2019 by Mark Shields

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

I’m in the process of developing a Bible study tool that allows creativity and sets your imagination free. I use a reading plan of the Bible and share thoughts from these readings. Yesterday, I shared the post “Wholesome Dwelling for the Soul”.

The Bible is all about gaining wisdom because we are learning from the past, praying in the present, and listening for instructions toward the future. I also use poetry, past experiences, and photos to crystalize God’s Word in our heart so we apply it in our daily activities.

I also use music. Today’s video Beautiful Day by Jamie Grace highlights the need to let God take you away on a beautiful day by getting your worship on and trusting that things can’t go wrong. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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Wholesome Dwelling for the Soul

Posted on November 18, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God, be the person that He desires you to be by following His instructions for they are a prescription for keeping a sound mind filled with wisdom and a sound body that makes available a wholesome dwelling for your soul.

Let us take in the commands from His Word today as we read Leviticus 18. This is the second chapter in which God deals with special areas of our life that must be respected and kept holy. The first was the sanctity of life in Leviticus 17 and now explained are basic instructions on the sanctity of sexual relations.

Obey these instructions for your own health and for the health of societies around the world. The results of obedience to God’s instructions are overall well-being for the individual and society as a whole. God wonderfully made you and wants what is good for you and He knows what is best for you more than you do.

Always strive to invest in a body through which Christ lives. Similar to a physical workout, we build muscles of faith when we study God’s word, pray, and listen for direction from the Holy Spirit.

 

This day with You Lord will be amazing as we simply do Your will. Things will fall into place because of grace. We have a Savior and are inspired to be at our best behavior; following where You lead and doing good deeds; accepting the truth and teaching our youth; learning Your ways and giving You praise. Amen.

 

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Ripple Affect

Posted on November 15, 2019 by Mark Shields

A thought from reading 1 Timothy 5:1-16 is that we should create ways to clear paths for young and old. Are there things you can do for family members or neighbors? Is there a person close to you that could use an act of kindness?

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

One act of kindness
Produces a ripple
As the Spirit puts
Evil in a pickle.

For the power
Keeps on affecting
A society
That is connecting.

Joining in to help
So those in need receive
And more and more
Begin to believe.

Like ripples in water,
Acts of kindness
May seem small at first
But grow in wideness.

To help those in need
With compassion
By impacting the world
With a passion.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 10-24-2019
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – 1 Timothy 5:1-16”

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Take Initiative to Directions Given

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Mark Shields

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. – Matthew 7:7

Revealed in Leviticus 17 and discussed in the post “Precious Blood of Jesus” is the relationship of God to His people and why so much importance should be placed in the “precious” blood of Jesus shed upon the Cross. Through His blood, we are justified, redeemed, washed, and sanctified.

Like the song O Come to the Altar by Elevation Worship, we are then in a right relationship with God so the Holy Spirit can give direction to what we should do today and provide plans for tomorrow. Once received, we should be devoted to carrying out these instructions with focus and initiative until finished.


Index of devotionals

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