Think and Go Far

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Mark Shields

I once heard a story about a tourist that stopped his car on a country road and asked a young boy “How far is it to Smithville?” “Well,” said the boy, “The way you are going, it’s about 24,996 miles, but if you turn around, it’s about four.” It’s important to put some thought into the direction you are going. This poem hopefully inspires your thoughts as you seek to go far with God today.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Think about the direction
You would like to go
Even though many
Choose to forgo.

Without hesitation,
Seek suggestions
For your progression
In the right direction.

Leading to a place
You can rejoice
Because you thought
And made a choice

Your mind is capable
To think with the smartest;
To reason with the best
And go the farthest.

You can visualize,
You can imagine,
You can plan,
And take action.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 11-16-2017
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Called According to His Purpose

Posted on November 16, 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. – Romans 8:28 

A key point brought out in the study of Romans 8:26-30 and written about in the post “Let the Spirit Work in Your Life” is that the Spirit gives insight into how to play your part in a preferred future and gives plans to make a difference in society.

First, pray for God’s will. One song to inspire is Thy Will  by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family. Second, discover the purpose for which God has for you. Then respond with enthusiasm to fulfill that high purpose. 
 

 

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Let the Spirit Work in Your Life

Posted on November 15, 2017 by Mark Shields

Not only does the Spirit keep us looking forward to becoming liberated from bondage and set free as God’s children but as explained in Romans 8:26-30, the Spirit works in our current life. The Spirit helps us to pray and discover our purpose for which God has for us.

This day with God, respond with enthusiasm to fulfill that high purpose. The day will be amazing because the Spirit gives insight into how to play our part in a preferred future and gives plans to make a difference in society.

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Lord, we come to you today wanting to be e a part of making life better for others. We pray for knowing Your will in our lives. Help us to fulfill the high purpose You have for us. Help us to look for security in heaven and not on earth. It is not in life’s earthly treasure that we trust but in Christ we trust. Amen.

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Stronger on the Other Side

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Mark Shields

Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. – Romans 5:3-5 

Even in hard times, we can have joy. Never get down but remember what Jesus went through on the cross. Remember the many things people have gone through but came out stronger on the other side.

Hope is a major part of the Christian life because it gives patience in time of difficulty. For regardless of circumstance, hope keeps us looking forward to a day when there is no more pain, no more tears, and no more fears.

This day with God, have hope in all circumstances. As in the song There Will Be a Day by Jeremy Camp, be liberated from bondage and set free as God’s children. Someday there will be no more burdens because we will see Jesus face to face. Keep holding on to the day when there is joy and peace; keep holding on to the hope. 
 

 

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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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