From Sorrow to a Brighter Tomorrow

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
   I wait for God my Savior;
   My God will hear me. – Micah 7:7

Israel was in miserable condition as pointed out in the post “Our Hope”. But we know today that the situation for Israel and for the whole world would go from sorrow to a brighter tomorrow.

Our attitude should be of hope in time of difficulty because when things are at their worst, the change process starts and the old ways are wiped clean so that the new improved ones can develop.

Don’t be shaken and put your hope in the Lord. Find peace for the soul while waiting patiently and sing to the Lord songs like My Hope is in You by Aaron Shust. 


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Our Hope

As explained in Micah 7, the world was in an unhealthy spiritual condition. The rulers demanded gifts, judges accepted bribes, and corruption was like an out of control cancer. It was so bad, people could put no trust in human relationships. Sons and daughters rebelled against parents, spouses fought against each other, and neighbors turned against each other.

Even in this time of rampant sin, Micah’s attitude towards his relationship with God was one of hope. He believed that God would bring the world out of the darkness and into the light. We now know that what Micah believed in would come about in God’s Plan through Jesus Christ.

Every Christmas Eve, my church has a candlelight service. Below is a photo captured while each person holds a lighted candle in their hand representing the light of Christ!

Our growing faith is never depleted because each time we share the gospel message, the light of Christ shines brighter.

Our hope today is in Christ whose pardon erases guilt. We are thankful that His power changes our attitude from negative to positive. Your purpose on the Cross transforms our sorrows into brighter tomorrows.  Today Lord we have no fear because of our trust in Your protection. Your promise is to provide for our needs and believe You will secure daily victories. Amen.

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Reaching Up High

This poem was inspired from reflection upon 2 Corinthians 9 and written to inspire eagerness and enthusiasm towards giving generously.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Inspired by the Savior,
Eager to serve;
Reaching up high
As you can observe.

Focused on a need,
Faithful to a commitment;
Reaching up high
Immersed in the moment.

Enthusiastically
Ready for action;
Reaching up high
With great satisfaction.

Giving from the heart,
A blessing to deliver;
Reaching up high
As a cheerful giver.

Sowing seeds kindly,
A bountiful harvest;
Reaching up high
So many are blessed.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 06-06-2019

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Concentrate on Today

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8

The post “Higher Standard” explains the central cause of Israel’s separation from God. They accepted the lower standard which the world offers rather than the Higher Standard which God offers.

This day with God, let’s forget about the past and concentrate on today! God’s desire is that we work together and treat others fairly, with kindness, and do things the right way; humbly accepting victory through Jesus Christ.

The God of the universe created over 100 billion galaxies with each galaxy having billions of stars. As pointed out in the song Creation Calls by Brian Doerksen, God also created wonders of nature like mountains and vast oceans.

By sending His Son as the Higher Standard, He has made known how valuable you are and that you are His greatest Creation of all. 
 

 

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Higher Standard

In Micah 6, the controversy is that the people had removed God’s standards from their life. They didn’t worship the ONE true God but worshiped idols and were separated from His life changing power.

God desires that we act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with Him (v. 8). The central cause of Israel’s separation from God is that they had poor leadership from kings who worshiped idols. The kings were deceitful, dishonest, and their relationship with God was not right.

Because of poor leadership, there was a lot of lying, cheating, and stealing in society. The kings were given so many opportunities to turn to God but instead thought the ways of this world had more benefit to them. God felt it was time to shake things up.

If you think about it, much of our life in present times is also directed by the low standards of this world rather than God’s higher standard. Success is defined by lofty incomes, nice cars, or an expensive house rather than the vast spiritual assets of faith, hope, and love!

This day with You Lord, we know that You speak to us in various ways. Through visions, dreams, and the beauty of Your Creation but most of all through Your Word. We humbly come before You now and admit wrong choices of the past. Sometimes we view success by the standards of the world with lofty incomes, nice cars, houses, and other materialistic resources. We neglect to realize that the vast spiritual resources You offer are more valuable and last longer. We now understand how You’ve taken care of our yesterdays and our tomorrows through the Higher Standard in Your Son Jesus Christ so we can concentrate more on today. Amen.

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