Big Plan

This day with God, Be freed from pessimism and be optimistic because by the grace of God we are allowed to stand firm in Christ and possess the Spirit in our heart.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Human plans in life
Are just that … a plan
But the plan of God
Is bigger than.

A plan set in stone,
Solid as a rock,
And a plan assuring
Confidence in our walk.

Creating joy
For the yet to come
With the plan of Christ
For everyone.

The negative past
Is washed away
And the present joy
Highlights the day.

The future brighter
Each and every day
As we worship You
And continue to pray.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 03-07-2019

Every arrangement in life may not have worked out but as in the song Today is the Day by Lincoln Brewster, we can rejoice for today and be glad in it.

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Letter of Recommendation

There were many disappointments and changes in plans during the ministry of Paul. Reading in 2 Corinthians 2:12 through 3:6, many questioned his qualifications for being a minister of God’s word but there was proof that made him qualified. The proof was the transformed hearts of people.

The knowledge of God was spread through the character of Paul. The way he treated others, what he said to others, and how he encouraged others. His letter of recommendation came from the Corinthian people in the way he changed their lives for the better.

Each changed heart was a letter of recommendation from Christ and we all can be a letter from Christ by our character. There will be days of frustration when your hard work does not pay off. When others question your qualifications. When things fall apart around you, just be like Paul and turn to the Lord to receive direction to fulfill your purpose for His glory.

The knowledge of God can multiply because of your character. If your day gets off track, how you handle the situation makes all the difference. Continue to be optimistic and upbeat when going through issues knowing that with God, it’s going to work out. The way you treat others, what you say to others, and how you encourage and affirm them makes a huge impact.

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This day with God, we are humbled by Your creation. You have created over 100 billion galaxies with each galaxy having billions of stars but it is Your people that are Your greatest creation. Help us today to treat Your people with kindness and build them up with words that encourage. Amen.

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Document Lessons Learned

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5

As explained in the post “Lesson of Loving Your Neighbor and Forgiveness”, Paul changed his plans on visiting because the timing was not right. He was Spirit led as God spoke to him in what best to do. He then uses the occasion to teach the Corinthian church leaders about loving your neighbor and forgiveness.

As in this lesson and others throughout God’s word along with the experiences you go through, document lessons learned. Like a lake that collects rain water, you can collect a reservoir of thoughts and ideas from your life over time to be used in the decisions you make.

Take inspiration from the song Word of God Speak by MercyMe because things fall into place when we follow the ways of God. Everyone needs God’s grace and once received, one can gain wisdom to live the way life is meant to be lived. 
 

 

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Lesson of Loving Your Neighbor and Forgiveness

False teachers had invaded the Corinthian church and tried to turn the people against Paul by saying he was insincere, fickle, and indecisive. They accused Paul of not sticking to his plans to visit them but Paul refrained from going to Corinth in person because the timing was not right. Reading in 2 Corinthians 2:1-11, he decided to try and set things right using correspondence first so that a personal visit would be one of joy with a positive spirit among them.

Paul recommends that the Corinthian church forgive and comfort those who have offended. There will be disagreement at times and it is during these times that leaders of a church should not try to control their people but rather seek to help them grow. To take care of disagreement in neighborly love and forgive the person so in unity they could continue to spread the Gospel.

From this incident, Paul teaches the need to confront wrongdoings with love and concern. He emphasized that saving grace is not something earned but something accepted. Our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never let us down.

Those of faith accept what Christ did on the Cross. Photo taken 06/04/2018 at Garvan Woodland Gardens near Hot Springs Arkansas.

This day with You Lord, we are thankful for the lesson learned. In making decisions throughout life, we are grateful for the lessons learned from the Bible, the Holy Spirit speaking to us deep in our hearts, and the lessons learned from experiences. Help us today to follow Your way and obey. In Jesus name, amen.

 

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Rejoice for Today

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

As pointed out in the post “Big Plans”, every arrangement in life may not have worked out but as in the song Today is the Day by Lincoln Brewster, we can rejoice for today and be glad in it. There is no need to worry because we stand firm in Christ and possess the Spirit in our heart. This resource is only a deposit securing what is to come. 
 

 

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