Great New Day

Every day you have greater opportunities than you have ever had before simply because you are the beneficiary of the past.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Each day is a new day
To be an achiever
Because from the past
You are the receiver
Of experiences
From your yesterdays
And can relate usual things
In unusual ways.

Each day you have
An opportunity
To make a difference
In your community
And can do all things
Since the Spirit resides
Inside to guide
And with God who provides.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-14-2017
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Flourish with His Grace

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. – 2 Peter 3:18

When we grow in the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we receive the nourishment needed to flourish. It’s really just that simple. The Gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never lets us down. 

Take inspiration from today’s song Grace Wins by Matthew West and gain confidence in continuing to flourish with His grace.
 

 

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Flourish Once Again

As pointed out in Romans 11:1-6, many departed from God during the time of Elijah but there was a devout remnant of 7000 that remained. Like a tree that is cut down, the roots are still there giving nourishment to grow again. Over time the remnant flourishes once again.

God saves the remnant but brings judgment upon those who do not accept His grace. It is not by works but by accepting the Gospel message. Early in life, Paul was a persecutor of Christians but accepted God’s grace and became a pivotal leader who started churches and authored much of the New Testament. The Gentiles accepted the Gospel shared by Paul and the Christian movement grew.

Today, this movement has grown throughout the world and the message is the same. Everyone needs God’s grace. Once received, there is a reconnection and gained is the power of the Holy Spirit to live the way life is meant to be lived.

This day God may we use the nourishment You give to help us flourish. Nourishment obtained from Your Word, the Holy Spirit speaking to us deep in our hearts, and the experiences we go through or learn from others. This nourishment You give never lets us down and is essential for an amazing life of continued growth. Amen.

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Share the Evidence

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. – Psalm 89:1 

In the post “Hear and Apply, discussed is Paul pointing out that all are given evidence of God’s power and divine nature but some still do not believe. There are various ways to receive knowledge of God. We can read His Word, learn from our experiences, and learn from others who have knowledge and experiences to share.

Going out in the backyard either at night before going to sleep or in the morning before sunrise with my dog Marlee, we can hear the sounds of a night. Marlee loves just lying in the grass, listening, and enjoying the cool breeze. I look up in the sky and see the stars and enjoy the amazement as God has painted another masterpiece to communicate His glory. The time in the back yard gives inspiration and hope; confidence that that God is with me and will be with me always.

Another way to receive inspiration and hope is through music as in this video: Light Up the Sky by The Afters.
 

 

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Hear and Apply

Paul explains in Romans 10:18-21 that hearing alone does not produce faith. He points out that all have the opportunity to hear about God’s power and divine nature. Also, there is God’s Word that is available to read and share with others. There is the beauty and amazement within His Creation for all to see. There is history and personal experiences to learn from that can be passed from generation to generation. The problem is that even with all that we are given, there are some that continue to be disobedient and obstinate.

So hearing by itself is not enough. One has to hear, accept, and then apply faith in their life. Then share the Word and personal experiences with others even if they seem to reject God. At least we will have done all we can do to clearly explain so there are no excuses.

Another way is to be an example to others in how we live each day to the fullest. Taking in in the good times as if soaking in the warmth of a day. Accepting the difficulties as a way to build strength and endurance as preparation for a victorious life.

Every day comes with memories that are continuously added to what we can share with others. I take my dog for a walk in the evenings and she loves it. She lives for the moment as she listens to the bird sounds and identifies the scents along the way. She notices the change of seasons as it cools in the fall and warms up in the spring.

We should do the same as God walks with us in life. Live for each moment, listen to Him, identify His principles, and notice how He does things in perfect timing such as the change of the seasons.

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This day with You Lord, we have received knowledge of You through Your Word and in Your Creation. This knowledge is more precious than silver or gold. We ask that we have enthusiasm for this day to not only read about Your Word but also apply it in our Life. May the words we say be pleasing to You as you bless us with an eternal reward more valuable than any treasure in this world. Amen.

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