Wellbeing for Daily Living

Posted on February 12, 2018 by Mark Shields

Reading in Proverbs 3, we are told that those who keep wisdom’s commands have a distinct advantage in their wellbeing and towards living the way God wants us to live. Wisdom is knowledge mixed with experience that creates peace, prosperity, efficiency, health, safety, and honor. The things we desire in our daily living.

Wisdom is related to daily living because the experiences we go through in life help us understand God’s instructions. His Word is our guide to the best way and Christ provides the clear path.

A person must have a plan, a will, and the desire to keep going when the going gets tough. God’s Plan for Us is the best plan. The Great Physician brings wellbeing both mentally and physically to our life that refreshes us with ultimate joy now and into the future.

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This day with You Lord, we accept Your guidance. Help us to be as today’s passage advices in being humble and wise. We lean on Your unlimited knowledge Lord and choose Your Way today. We understand that Christ provides the clear path in going the right way. For it is in His name we pray. Amen.

 

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The Week Ahead

Posted on February 11, 2018 by Mark Shields

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

Below are some questions for reflection. 

Proverbs 3
* What are the results for those who keep wisdom’s commands? How is wisdom related to daily living? What are the effects of wisdom and discretion in your life? In what ways do they heal and refresh you?

Proverbs 4
* What do you want most from life? In what ways does wisdom give you freedom? Why must the heart (In Hebrew, the intellectual, moral, and emotional faculties) be protected by wisdom?

 

 

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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Visualize

Posted on February 10, 2018 by Mark Shields

This poem was inspired by remembering many years ago when my baseball coach gave a speech the day before a big game. He gave a talk to the team about a golfer that was sick. He would lay in his bed dreaming about playing golf. In his dreams he would always see himself hitting the perfect shot. This went on for several weeks as he played rounds of golf in his head. When he got over his sickness several weeks later, he was able to go out to the golf course and shoot his best round of golf ever.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

The mind has to
See it … believe it
And plan out the steps
To achieve it.

Many great athletes
Practice with thoughts
Before they compete
And give it all they got.

The batter in baseball
Will visualize
As the pitcher’s arm
Begins to arise.

Seeing the ball released
Towards home plate
Thinking will it curve
Or will it go straight?

The hitter strides
And the bat comes around
To hit the ball solid
With such a sweet sound.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 02-08-2018

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Incentive for Growing in Faith

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Mark Shields

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. – 1 Corinthians 2:9

As pointed out in the post “Benefits of Wisdom”,  there is a part God plays and a part we play in our gaining wisdom. There are major benefits right now to gaining wisdom like being rewarded with understanding, protection, safety, and victory in life.

Even if everything does not work out in this life on earth, there is still a great incentive for growing our faith as inspired in the song Home by Chris Tomlin. For there is a better place where there are no more burdens. A place where the streets are golden, the chains are broken, where fear is gone, and we are free at last in our permanent home.
 

 

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Benefits of Wisdom

Posted on February 8, 2018 by Mark Shields

Reading in Proverbs 2, explained is that God’s part in each of us gaining wisdom are the instructions found in His word, His commands, and His Spirit. These resources of God provide a guide to life skills like faith, hope, courage, joy, and peace.

Our part in gaining wisdom is to apply these instructions and commands. To have a daily time of Bible study and prayer so we are in tune with the Spirit. Calling out for insight, understanding, and constantly storing up His principles in our heart as though they are more valuable than silver or hidden treasure.

If we do our part, the benefits are receiving the knowledge of God and being rewarded with understanding, protection, safety, and victory in life. There are some obstacles in today’s world because of the distractions, information overload, or the challenges of being able to discern factual information.

Just keep in mind that 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.

Lord we praise You today. We respect Your authority and accept the wisdom You offer in Your word. The time we spend with You in Bible study and prayer is very important as it brings power and direction in our life. Amen.

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