The Way to Freedom and Confidence

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Mark Shields

Scripture Reading: Romans 10:1-10

Paul’s action here is to explain the true way to righteousness. There are two types of righteousness explained here. One is righteousness by faith and the other is righteousness by the law.

The Jews believed in righteousness by the law. They didn’t see a need for salvation because they practiced the Old Testament law. The problem is that no one can be that devout. Their pride and self-righteousness got in their way so they worshiped their law but rejected their Savior.

True righteousness is by faith. Being careful about pride and never depending on your own good deeds but admitting the need for a Savior. Believing what Christ has already done on the Cross and accepting Him as Lord and Savior.

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This day with You Lord, we are taking the first step to an amazing day because we believe You will surprise us today with great opportunity. You will work in mysterious ways and all we need to do is take that one step and follow through with more steps as we go through the day. With you by our side, we can live life passionately, learn humbly, and live boldly. Amen.

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The Week Ahead

Posted on December 3, 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 10:1-10
* What is Paul’s action here? Where is true righteousness found? What must a person do to be saved?

Romans 10:11-17
* What is the reason God justifies Jews and Gentiles in the same way (See 3:29-30)? What is involved in to call upon the name of the Lord? What is the content of what must be preached?

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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Philosopher

Posted on December 1, 2017 by Mark Shields

This poem was written to inspire your thoughts today. I read a book a few years back called “Man in the Mirror” and one statement made in this book was that each day is a battle for our thought life. We have to work at being a thinker. Gordon MacDonald in his book, “Ordering Your Private World”, says that we need to train our minds to be alert and alive, taking on fresh amounts of information every day, regularly producing new discoveries and conclusions. He says that thinkers see old things in new ways; they analyze hypotheses, separating out the true from the false.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

The mind is trained
To be alert … alive;
Constantly gathering
Knowledge to thrive.

Seeing what was old
In a totally new way;
Passionately living
Each and every day.

Always questioning,
Keeping up to date;
Gathering info
To evaluate.

Each day is a battle
For how to think
And it takes some work
To stay in sync.

Taking in fresh amounts
Of daily information
And new discoveries
With grand elation.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 11-30-2017
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Gain Wisdom

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Mark Shields

For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. – Proverbs 2:6 

The main point of the post “The Way to Righteousness” is that what is most important is not following some law or restriction but just accepting God’s grace and doing things that make a lot of sense. Everyone needs God’s grace. Once received, one can gain wisdom to live the way life is meant to be lived.

The best way is God’s Way and we can enroll in God’s school of wisdom. The Bible is the text book to the course. Here’s a video to inspire us today as we follow the best way and apply the wisdom gained in our life: The Way by Jeremy Camp.

 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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The Way to Righteousness

Posted on November 29, 2017 by Mark Shields

Scripture Reading: Romans 9:25-33

Today’s lesson is that trying to pursue righteousness by works resulted in Israel stumbling and falling. Instead, we should pursue righteousness by clearing the path to victory with the freedom found in Christ. The results are much more productive.

Our main responsibility is to trust God and receive righteousness through our faith. We depend on Him to fulfill our responsibility and accomplish His purpose. We receive the righteous reward through the grace of God or His unmerited favor.

It is ironic that the Jews pursued the way of righteousness but could not obtain it through works. On the other hand, the Gentiles did not pursue righteousness through works but were able to obtain it by faith. Our main mission in life is to go after the right thing in the right way. We exist for God’s purposes and He has provided the path.

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This day with You God, we praise You for You are faithful, righteous, just, and gracious. You have given us in Christ someone who has set the path to follow and will go along with us on this journey through life. Our growing faith will never be taken away or depleted. The Gospel message sets us free and will never let us down. We are uplifted today by Your grace and Your wisdom given to us so we can live the way life is meant to be lived. In Jesus name. Amen.

 

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