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Posted on March 16, 2018 by Mark Shields

There are keys to successfully realizing our God given purpose including thoughts, plans, desires, confidence, and determination. This poem was written to inspire determination to go the extra mile and follow through on plans regardless of obstacles, criticism, or circumstances.

Step Ahead

Giving the extra effort
Will make the difference
In being just average
Or gaining significance.

There will be obstacles
But remain resolute
By going the extra mile
And letting God’s Word take root.

There will be critics
But remain determined
By following plans
Already confirmed.

Look to the future;
Be joyful in the present;
Thankful at all times
For what God has sent.

In all circumstances,
Always remain steadfast
Laying anger aside
And letting go of the past.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 03-15-2018
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Posted in Poems | Tagged determination, Difficulties, Effort, Extra Mile, Plans, Poetry, Prayer, Purpose | 2 Comments

Perseverance

Posted on March 15, 2018 by Mark Shields

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. – Romans 5:3

The post “Path of Righteousness” discussed the path a person should go in reaction to things that are meant to bring them down; insults from others, difficulties, and road blocks along life’s journey can be overcome if first met with perseverance.

I’m reminded of a sermon from my pastor who pointed out that God’s way is not always the easiest but His way always allows you to finish strong so follow God day by day and do not quit but persevere; keep going and God will stir up a passion in your heart. He will be with you to finish the race strong.*

If someone insults you, keep on being kind and working hard. Take the path of righteousness and look forward to a great reward. Along this path are beautiful meadows and majestic mountaintops. It is the path that leads to immortality.

So the lesson for us today is that even in difficulty, we can rejoice. Life goes on so we can be inspired towards a future in which God is in control. What we should do is what the song Press On by Building 429 says to do.

Index of devotionals

*”Sermons.” FUMC Waco. Web. <http://fumcwaco.org>.

Posted in Devotionals, Going Extra Mile | Tagged Advice, Bible Study, Devotional, Faith, Holy Spirit, Perseverance, Praise, Relationships, Righteousness, Work | 1 Comment

Path of Righteousness

Posted on March 14, 2018 by Mark Shields

The take away for me in the study of Proverbs 12 is the big difference between the intentions of the righteous and the wicked in the areas of faith, relationships, and work. The intentions of the righteous lead to a path of long-term success but the intentions of the wicked leads to a future of trouble with hard times.

Fools relate to others with deceit, disrespect, and cruelty; only doing what they desire with no concern for the well-being of others. They don’t listen to advice but go their own way. They are easily annoyed by recommendations and are set in their ways even if their way continues to lead to disaster.

The wise relate to others with honesty, respect, and kindness; never overreacting to insults but trying to listen for advice to correct any flaws. If someone insults them, they continue to be kind and seek to find common ground.

The wise take the path of righteousness and are rewarded with a future of success. Along the path, they are lifted up out of the meadows of life and inspired by the majestic mountaintops along life’s journey. Over the long term, their path gets more majestic into immortality.

This day with You Lord, we have faith in Your never-ending possibilities. Our faith is as persistent as a stream of water that eventually cuts into rock to form a stream. Nothing is too big for You Lord and we wait persistently and are focused on the possibilities. We are ready; expecting You to move in our life to cut through the hard obstacles along the way.

Posted in Bible Study, Going Extra Mile | Tagged Advice, Devotional, Faith, Holy Spirit, ible Study, Prayer, Relationships, Righteousness, Work | 2 Comments

Renewed Strength

Posted on March 13, 2018 by Mark Shields

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31

The post “His Strength in Me” contrasted positive and negative qualities in our daily living. Contrasting the bankruptcy of a world with dishonesty, pride, gossip, and material gain to the rewards of integrity, humility, and eternal riches.

Let us seek to ingest these positive qualities so they are in our heart. As long as the Holy Spirit is in us, no one can take that away. The Spirit of Christ is with us everywhere we go.

As the song In Me by Casting Crowns points out, when we are weak, God gives us strength and brings victory because of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Strength | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Excellence, Faith, Generosity, Holy Spirit, Hope, Integrity, Kindness, Praise, Righteousness, Strength | 1 Comment

His Strength in Me

Posted on March 12, 2018 by Mark Shields

As explained in Proverbs 11, righteousness is manifested in everyday life with qualities like integrity, hope, tact, kindness, and generosity. On the other hand, wickedness is manifested with negative traits such as dishonesty, despair, rudeness, heartlessness, and greed.

The life of Christ demonstrates the qualities of righteousness so we are given a perfect model to follow. We are not able to be perfect like Jesus but we can ask for His guidance to help be the best we can be. We cannot control all things but we can pray, ask for direction, and have faith that God is in control.

Our strength is not in being like everyone else but it is in being who we are; a precious child of God. He is with us and His Spirit lives in us. Because of this fact, we have unlimited potential since He has unlimited potential and it is up to us to realize how He can use our potential for His purposes.

There may be a proverb in this passage that is related to your daily living. For example, Proverbs 27 says the following:

“Whoever seeks good finds favor,
But evil comes to one who searches for it.

Take a look at your daily living as a way to monitor habits in order to take actions using one or more of the positive qualities learned in today’s passage to steer away from mediocrity into excellence. The aim should be to analyze your activities and in so doing, discover your strengths.

This day with You Lord, we come to You in prayer which is our greatest power because we are speaking to the ONE who already has the answer. We ask for Your help today as we strive to be Your hands and feet in a struggling world. We know that You will take care of our own needs if we sow a seed to help someone else in their need. In Jesus name. Amen.