Spark in the Dark

Posted on April 27, 2018 by Mark Shields

Discover your unique God given abilities and let it shine in a world that desperately needs a spark.

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Know where you stand
Where you want to go
With a passion
To always grow.

Discover the thing
You can provide
To a world in need
Distant and wide.

Identify your
Strength that reflects
Creativity
And wonderful effects.

Discover who you are;
The one set apart
And willing to give
The extra spark.

Set out to accomplish
The aims you embark
And let the spark shine
Bright in the dark.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 04-26-2018

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Overflowing with the Glory

Posted on April 26, 2018 by Mark Shields

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:15-16 

As shared in the post “Sweet to Your Soul”, honey taste sweet and like honey wisdom is sweet to your soul. The objective then is to accept God’s grace and get filled up with wisdom. Then your soul will be filled with a rare and beautiful treasure that continues to grow in value. Each day we are the beneficiary of the past and have more wisdom to share with others.

You may never know what impact you have on others.  My dad was a high school teacher and coach for many years. One athlete wrote the following true story about my dad on facebook.

 

It has always been inspiring to hear dad passing along to us about those he has taught and coached. The achievements of his students not only as star athletes but also as student athletes that graduate and go on to flourish in life are very inspiring.

Not everyone is rewarded here on earth with knowledge of the impact you have on others but we all have the opportunity to someday be rewarded beyond our wildest dreams. Take inspiration from the song Home by Chris Tomlin. When we go to our eternal home, every fear will be gone, streets will be golden, and every chain will be broken.

 

 

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Sweet to Your Soul

Posted on April 25, 2018 by Mark Shields

Within Proverbs 24 is the saying that Honey taste sweet and like honey wisdom is sweet to your soul. Listen to and gain wisdom so your heart is filled with good and your soul is filled with hope for the future. This is of great value like a rare and beautiful treasure that continues to grow in value over time.

The goodness will overflow from your heart and come to light naturally as you walk the walk and talk the talk. This will be a great strength (v. 6). During a crisis, you will not give in to pressure but have poise and this will also demonstrate great strength. Claim the high purpose God has given and know that all things work together for the good.

There are rewards for those who keep God’s principles in their heart. Having the right priorities is so important and gaining the principles of God in your heart as top priority will lead to a remarkable destiny.

Be inspired by great leaders in history. Remember this commander who was thought to be a total failure as leader of an army but remained calm and fulfilled his purpose. His name was George Washington.

Think of companies that had initial problems in the beginning but never gave up before they had great success. Companies like Microsoft who had some problems with their systems at first but then came up with the Windows operating system.

Lord, this day we come to You with a grateful heart. Thankful for Your grace that keeps flowing in our heart filling us with continual hope for the future. Our faith can never be depleted but only grow over time and overflow as light to the world. Amen.

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Let Your Light Shine

Posted on April 24, 2018 by Mark Shields

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

As pointed out in the post “Integrate Faith with Lifestyle”, the Bible is filled with words of counsel and knowledge but you have to apply this by first listening to these words of knowledge and then let them inside so they become a part of your heart and soul.

To turn on the light switch to let your light shine today, here’s a song called Speak life by Toby Mac that inspires hope, encouragement, concern, and love for your neighbor.
 

 

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Integrate Faith with Lifestyle

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Mark Shields

The attitudes of the wise as explained in Proverbs 22:17 through 23 are to have concern for the weak, the needy, and helpless. The actions of the wise help rather than put more obstacles in their way. The wise are even tempered, honest, and disciplined. They follow instructions and are leaders that encourage others. They are good fathers, mothers, and diligent workers that lead others toward God’s way.

The Bible is God’s instruction manual on how to integrate faith with lifestyle. One idea for putting God’s instruction into practice is to integrate faith with lifestyle. Being able to mesh what one believes with what one does.

Another idea is to pray before retiring for the night. Pray for God’s will and seek to seal the deal. Try to look at tasks that are needed for tomorrow and visualize what needs to be done. Fill your mind with a picture of accomplishing the tasks before you.

Some days may not be perfect but this day with You Lord will be amazing if we put Your guidance into practice. Help us today to keep in step with Your Spirit by listening, by following, by believing, and by obeying. Open our minds today to take in Your instruction so it sinks into our heart and integrates with our lifestyle. We accept the power You give today because of Your love for us through Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

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