Restoration

Posted on October 30, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God will be amazing as we read Leviticus 14 about the ritual for restoration of the cleansed leper to the community which is similar to that for installation of the priests. An animal was slaughtered for atonement of sins as fluids like water, oil, and blood were also used to consecrate the altar.

Leprosy could only be taken care of by blood and sin can only be covered by the blood of Christ. Today, we are mindful that Jesus came to earth to save the lost. Relationships are restored by being saved by the Cross.

Our obligation is to confess sin and accept God’s plan for us. Because of Christ’s blood given as a token for the forgiveness of sin, we are compelled to tell others about the healing rain from heaven that cleanses the soul.

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Lord this day, we know about the past and we are aware of the present but the future is in in Your hands. You are the ONE we trust … the ONE who first loved us and the ONE who guides us and provides for us. Through the risen Christ, everything changes and the Holy Spirit is forever present to constantly recreate us so we are prepared for each challenge faced. Amen

 

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Come to the Table Set Beside the Savior

Posted on October 29, 2019 by Mark Shields

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. – Romans 15:7

As pointed out in the post “Grace Heals”, a skin disease like leprosy was deadly and there were no medications to alleviate the disease like in current times. Today, the reported occurrences of the disease are mostly in poor countries with only around 200,000 cases worldwide.

In Matthew 8:1-4, Jesus healed a man with leprosy demonstrating divine power to heal diseases. Crowds would flock to be in the presence of Jesus as He was all about service to handle unique problems people had during that time.

Today, we still pray for miracles. Join in on the song Come To The Table by Sidewalk Prophets to bring praise to God. As the song points out, grace begins from the outside looking in so come to the table set beside the Savior.


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Grace Heals

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Mark Shields

As we are read Leviticus 13, instructions are given for priests making a diagnoses on a defiling skin disease like leprosy. As long as a person had the disease, they had to be cut off from others in case it was a contagious disease. Also, any clothing, material, or item that showed signs of mold or that could cause a skin disease to spread had to be washed, isolated, monitored, or burned if necessary.

During the time of Moses, the plight of a leper was usually death. There was no medication to alleviate the disease but in current times, there are medications to clear up the disease and it is a rare disease mostly in poor countries with only around 200,000 cases worldwide.

In Matthew 8:1-4, Jesus healed a man with leprosy demonstrating divine power to heal diseases and crowds would flock to be in the presence of Jesus. He was all about service to handle unique problems people had during that time.

Today, we still need miracles. Have you made a phone call recently to get help with a question you have on a bill or a product you just bought? Most companies have gone to a menu procedure like dial one for billing questions, two for technical support, etc. Most of the time, when we make a phone call to a company for help, we want to talk to a real person; not some automated system. Many issues are unique and not listed as a part of the numbers to call.

With Jesus, we have a personal friend to work out our unique problem. He’s not looking for perfect people. Worthiness is built upon grace as we accept His mercy and like an ever flowing river, His grace heals and sets us free.

Photo taken 06/04/2018 – Water Fall at Garvan Woodland Gardens near Hot Springs Arkansas.

Lord, You accept and affirm all who believe. We strive for the same accuracy when judging others by following directions, taking our time, and making the best decision we can with the facts and experience we have. We may differ as individuals in our convictions or practice but there is one common thread that binds; the healing power of grace and the Holy Spirit directing our steps. Amen.

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Unfinished Masterpiece

Posted on October 25, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God will be amazing because we will gain more treasure from God’s Word. We will be working to eliminate the negatives that hold us back and cultivating the proven positives found in His Word that will be stepping stones as we get closer to the guaranteed victory.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

The world can be rough
A very flawed place
But we always have hope
Because we have grace.

Polishing the flaws,
Filing in the rough spots
With power from above
We’ve got a great shot.

Gaining discipline
From His good Word
And enthusiasm
From what has been heard.

Anchored to God’s love
To handle distress
Knowing God will bless
With tremendous progress.

Each step is closer
Throughout a lifetime
Overflowing with joy
As we make the climb.

Jacob’s Ladder

This is a photo 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.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 09-26-2019
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – 1 Timothy 2:8-15

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Making it Through the Rough Stuff

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Mark Shields

To you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. – Philippians 1:29

It is after overcoming difficulty that we appreciate what we have and flourish. Like a plant that grows with water, nutrients from the soil, and sunlight, character grows when it is grounded in a strong mixture of stuff. Because of Christ suffering on the cross, we can make it through the rough stuff as explained in the post “Keep Pace with Grace”.

We go through stuff in life but God has a plan and His plans are better than our plans. I volunteer as a member of the tech team for our church. Sometimes our pastor makes a key point with a video and one time a video would not work. The pastor noticed that the person on the video just so happened to be in attendance at that particular worship service so the pastor had the person come up to give his testimony live instead of by the video. It turned out to be much more powerful.

As we journey through life, there are many occasions when a difficult experience actually works out better in the long run. Enjoy today’s video This is the Stuff by Francesca Battistelli and remember today to take the rough stuff with a grain of salt. 
 

 

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