Break Through the Barriers

Posted on April 9, 2019 by Mark Shields

The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? – Psalm 27:1 

Within the post “Spiritual Treasures are Forever”, written about was that Paul was of good courage and we can be of good courage today by having the attitude that difficulties faced on earth are only short-term. This day with God, accumulate the permanent treasures that are from the Spirit because they will be with you forever.

Many times when faced with challenges in life, we put up barriers. An example was the mile race in track. No one had broken the 4 minute barrier until Roger Bannister. He ran the first sub-4-minute mile in the 1952 Olympics. Today, all Olympic athletes run sub-4-minutes miles.

Barriers in life can be broken but it takes courage to overcome our doubts. Like in the song Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin, God will hear your prayers. There is no one or thing to fear. God has an army of angels always by your side. There is victory in Jesus for He has gone before you to make sure things fall into place. Hold on to the promise for He is always faithful. 


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Spiritual Treasures are Forever

Posted on April 8, 2019 by Mark Shields

The truth about life that has totally grasped Paul as we read in 2 Corinthians 4:16 through 5:10 is that the outer nature is temporary but the inner nature is eternal. Life on earth is only for a short time but our Spiritual life with Christ is eternal. This molds our attitudes and actions because difficulties faced on earth are only short term.

Outwardly, we waste away but inwardly we are renewed day by day. The outer nature is weak during hard times and there is the feeling of being down but the mood for the inner nature is cheerful because there is power to take on the challenges life brings.

Paul was of good courage and we can be of good courage today by having the attitude that difficulties are only temporary. This day with God, accumulate the permanent treasures that are from the Spirit because they will be with you forever.

You may outwardly be wasting away but God the Spirit is at work on the inside, transforming you into the likeness of Jesus Christ. It may take some time but do not lose heart.

Photo Credit – Mark-Weinberger-Power-Of-Purpose

Lord this day, You are at work transforming us into the likeness of Jesus Christ so we can stand out in a positive way in a world that is very troubling at times. Help us to always take in what is right for our spiritual growth and rejecting what is wrong. Spiritual treasures are forever. Use our trials for Your glory, give us the courage to conquer our fears, help us to walk by faith, and report on the Good News. In Jesus name, amen.

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Love and the Outcome

Posted on April 5, 2019 by Mark Shields

This poem was inspired from 2 Corinthians 2 when Paul was Spirit led and used the occasion to teach the Corinthian church leaders about church discipline and forgiveness.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Take care of disputes
In neighborly love
And forgive each other
As done from above.

Confront wrongdoings
By being thoughtful
And in unity
Spread the Gospel.

For excellence,
Be ready to pray
And always obey
By following His way.

Emphasize salvation
As not something earned
But something accepted
So good is returned.

As wisdom is gained,
Things will fall into place
With a Spirit led life
And everlasting grace.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 03-21-2019

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Light Shines Out of Darkness

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Mark Shields

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. – 2 Corinthians 4:6 

As shared in the post “All-Surpassing Power”, Paul went through discouragement in setting up new churches and we all face times along the journey when we feel let down but in the end, we must maintain hope for the light shines out of darkness.

Our faith gives courage to face any doubts, and the love of Christ brings victory over our enemies who only offer hate. Like in the song Through All of It by Colton Dixon, there will be struggles and tough days but in the end there is victory because we have the power to finish strong.  


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All-Surpassing Power

Posted on April 3, 2019 by Mark Shields

Paul had to go through much discouragement in overcoming false teachers who deceived others so they could brag about their own achievements. Explained in the study of 2 Corinthians 4:1-15  is that Paul received the ministry of sharing the Good News of the gospel through God’s mercy.

The gospel sheds light on the glory of Christ who is the image of God. The light shines out of darkness into our hearts and overflows into the world around us. Like Paul, we may go through discouragement and hardship but because of Jesus in our heart, we have an all-surpassing power.

We may face pressure but are not crushed; face confusion but never desperation; persecution but never abandoned; struck down, but never destroyed. In our experiences at school, work, and among our family and friends we receive this all-surpassing power from God to handle the difficulties faced.

So this day with God, be mindful of the power of love through Christ. Your faith always gives hope and you will always be a champion in God’s eye. These positive characteristics given to you because of Christ will keep you steadily going toward your destination as you enthusiastically head toward your great reward.

Lord this day, we realize that we will never be 100% prepared for what life may bring our way. Like what happened to Paul, people will let us down and the race of life will make us tired. We just have to keep running and know that You will be there with open arms as we cross the finish line victoriously. In Jesus name, amen.

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