Hope Gives Patience During Difficulty

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Mark Shields

Explained in Romans 8:18-25 is that suffering and glory are related because just as Christ went through suffering on the cross, we also have trials in life before there is brighter future filled with glory. Regardless of our circumstance, hope holds so much power as it keeps us looking forward to a better day.

Hope keeps us looking towards a better day when we are liberated from bondage and set free as God’s children. The glory to be revealed is the return of Christ when we then are fully relieved of our earthly trials and share in the future glory with Christ. A time when there are no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears. Our current trials are only temporary but our glory with Christ will last forever.

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This day with You Lord, the sun came up, a new day dawns, and we worship Your holy name until the evening comes. We have hope because of what Christ has done. Our guilt is erased, we are set free, our future is bright. This day as we examine our hopes and dreams, we ask that You take them to a level that we never dreamed of before. In Jesus name. Amen.

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The Week Ahead

Posted on November 12, 2017 by Mark Shields

This week, we will continue the study of the book of Romans and share more thoughts.

Below are some questions for reflection. 

Romans 8:18-25
* How are suffering and glory related (see V. 17)? What is the glory to be revealed? For what reasons do you have hope regardless of circumstances?

Romans 8:26-30
* What else does the Spirit do for Christians (v. 23)? How can the Spirit strengthen our prayer life? How are you responding to God’s high purposes for you?

Devotionals

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Believe that God has a great plan for you.

Victory starts by having a plan. By accepting God’s plan for us, all we need to do is follow and believe He will provide the power. He will give the upper hand to make what seems impossible possible.

*Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
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Through The Eye of a Needle

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Mark Shields

This poem is inspired from a recent sermon at the church I worship at. In Matthew 19:16-21, the rich young man is told by Jesus that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. For rich and poor, what is impossible for us is possible with God. By surrendering to Jesus, we are free and no longer slave to the things of this world that try to control our soul.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Living a life
That seems so smart
but not giving the Lord
All of our heart.

With something lacking
And not at our max
Since trusting in ourselves
But with God very lax.

Trying to earn our way
Only with upheaval
Like the camel through
The eye of a needle.

But we can surrender
It all for the cause
Instead of following
The impossible laws.

Choose the only ONE
Who is in control
For Jesus is the ONE
Who saves our soul!

Poem by Mark Shields – © 11-09-2017
Inspired by sermon of Ryan Barnett. “Sermons.” FUMC Waco. Web.
<http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.
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Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God – Matthew 19:24

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Great Value in Starting New

Posted on November 9, 2017 by Mark Shields

But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. – Philippians 3:7-8 

Grace received because of Christ and the Holy Spirit in you adds great value to your life. It is worth more than anything in the world because you then start new with freedom, peace, and the courage needed to face any challenge as you step ahead.

This day will be amazing because with God, we can sincerely believe that each obstacle will be overcome and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion; celebrating progress throughout each day by praising Him.

As the song Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli recommends, welcome God’s Spirit inside. Be aware of God’s presence and experience the glory of His goodness. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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Focus on the True Reward

Posted on November 8, 2017 by Mark Shields

From reading Romans 8:12-17, the Spirit empowered Christ to live a holy life which gives peace, sets one free, and provides courage. The Spirit is the true reward and those who accept Christ are also empowered. Each Christian has spiritually been born into the family of God as co-heirs with Christ.

Think about it … each Christian is a child of God; brothers and sisters that are adopted as His children and led by the Holy Spirit. They are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ who share in difficulties in order that they may also share in his glory.

Each day, think about the things of God and spend time nourishing the Spirit inside. Then your actions will match up to what God wants you to do with your life. Don’t get uptight about things. Enjoy each moment, let go of worry, and trust that everything will work out by just doing God’s will.

 

This day with You Lord, we are confident because You accept us as Your child. Because of this confidence, we can become better each day. Some days, we may miss the mark but because of Christ, we know we are forgiven. The path is cleared for us to make the needed adjustments and head in the right direction. Each day, we can start new with Your grace. Amen.

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