Called According To His Purpose

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Mark Shields

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

The post “Respond with Commitment” discusses how Moses was called according to His purpose to receive instructions called the Ten Commandments from God. During that time, only Moses could have a close relationship to God but because of the death and resurrection of Christ, we have the opportunity to also get instructions from God through reading His Word. We can read the Bible for the purpose of writing down lessons learned and sharing these lessons with future generations.

The song Every Good Thing by The Afters points out that our relationships are so important. Of most importance is our relationship with God. Then our time with family members and our friends should also be top priority. Let us remember that life is designed for eternity so let us put our time into good causes and into relationships that return eternal dividends.
 

 

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Respond With Commitment

Posted on July 3, 2017 by Mark Shields

As Moses relayed God’s message to the people in Exodus 24, the people respond with commitment by saying in verse 7, “We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.”  The Mosaic Covenant is ratified at the foot of Mt. Sinai as they built an altar and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel (v. 4).

Only certain people at the time of this passage could get close to God. They included Moses, Aaron, Nadir, Abihu and the 70 elders. These leaders were people of great faith and integrity but only Moses was able to go all the way to God. The Lord then spent 40 days and 40 nights with Moses and gave him the stone tablets upon which is written the Ten Commandments.

Just as Moses received instruction from God on how we should live, we can also write down what the Lord is saying to us as we read the Bible. We can read with purpose as we write down the lessons learned and share with future generations.

Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we all can get closer to God and have a personal relationship. Just as the people responded with purpose, we should do the same today as we read God’s Word and go to Him in prayer.

Image Source – Campus Crusade for Christ

This day with You Lord, we read how the people described Your glory as a consuming fire. We ask that this glory is pointed out to others. Help us to understand areas of our life that need to be brought into obedience to You today. Our purpose is to have deepened knowledge of You and help others accept Christ as Savior. Amen.

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Together

Posted on June 30, 2017 by Mark Shields

Each day can be amazing when we fix problems together. Make it your purpose to love what God loves and share with others.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

God gives unique
Parts of ministry
Through diverse people
Which forms a chemistry;
Blending each talent
To help rise above
Current challenges
And hardships thereof
With one sharpened mind.
Making the right choice
To fill His purpose
With one fervent voice.
Helping those in need
And pulling together
With various ideas
To be the bellwether
That is always ready
To love what God loves
And to tell what He
Has done already.

By Mark Shields – © 06-29-2017
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Be The Miracle

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Mark Shields

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. – James 1:22-24

The post “Prepared Way” is about the promises made by God to the Israelites as He prepares the way to the Promised Land. These same promises are available to us today in His Word as a guide to our relationships, our career, and everything we do. We can use it to plan and build our life to withstand the shakeups we may face.

The Word of God is our firm foundation and by knowing God’s plan for us , we can share with others so that we can be the miracle they may need. Just like in the song Be One by Natalie Grant.


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Prepared Way

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Mark Shields

In Exodus 23:20-33, God promises to bless the Israelites with an angel to prepare the way into the Promised Land. Their enemies would be overcome and He assures them of good health, a long life, and a prosperous future. God gives a pledge that they would gradually conquer the land if they worshiped Him instead of idols.

The same promises made to the Israelites during the writing of this passage is available to us today if we worship the only ONE who can win our battles and prepare the Way. He will give us advantages and set up things for our benefit. All that is required is that we pay attention, listen, and remain committed to His plan for us.

This day will be amazing because we can put His guidance into practice by making prayer the top priority as we plan out activities. This day with God, expect greatness because heaven has been opened and God will lead to where we need to go.

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Lord we dream big today because as we pray, we know You can take these dreams and help us not only achieve them but along the way, make others dream big too. In so doing, we know that there will be more opportunities for all people to flourish. Just like the promises you made in today’s passage, You have given us promises that will build momentum for life. We will build on what You have done yesterday and we will dream big dreams for tomorrow. Amen.

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