Full Potential

Posted on November 3, 2017 by Mark Shields

My dog wakes up early each morning ready for her food. After feeding her, I take her outside before dawn to sit out on the porch and drink my coffee. On the clear cool mornings, I’ll look up in the sky and see the millions of stars. I’m inspired by the abundance our Creator. The potential He has provided is beyond comprehension. This poem was written to inspire greater effort towards reaching our full potential.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Talents like seeds
need to germinate
in order to develop
to fulfill their fate.

Seeds require light,
Heat and hydration.
Talents require planning
And dedication.

So develop talents
You can disperse
And see abundance
In this universe.

Begin to flourish
In His creation
Using your potential
Without hesitation.

So start each day
With grand strategies
Inspired by the stars
Of all the galaxies.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 11-02-2017
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Refining in His Timing

Posted on November 2, 2017 by Mark Shields

Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. – Philippians 4:4 

Touched upon in the post “The Law and the Fall” are two opposite laws that Paul explains. One is the law of God that is holy, just, and good. Then there is the opposite law that he calls the law of sin which the human race is under because of Adam’s fall in the garden.

Every day, we get hit with so many negatives and it is a battle to control our thought life but with Christ, there is hope because there can be refining in His timing. We can overcome and live a life that is pleasing to God.

Some ideas that might help with our attitude and thought life is to start or end the day with uplifting positive music like this one: Live Like That by Sidewalk Prophets. This will allow your thoughts to have a better chance to get in the right frame of mind as you start the day or retire for the evening. Then each day, you will be ready to show the world the love God has shown you in Christ.

Another idea for the end of each day is to write out a sentence or two on something good that happened or why the day was amazing. Think about what you are looking forward to tomorrow. Even though there is an internal spiritual war inside our soul between good and evil, we can be optimistic. With Christ by our side, the Holy Spirit will make it possible for the law of God to be in control and there are no limits to what can be accomplished. 
 

 

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The Law and the Fall

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Mark Shields

There is a paradox that Paul expresses within the passage Romans 7:14-25. He tells us that he wants to act a certain way but ends up doing the opposite. Paul points out two spiritual laws at work in verses 21-24. There is the law of God that is holy, just, and good. Then there is the opposite law that Paul calls the law of sin which the human race is under because of Adam’s fall in the garden.

Even though there was the fall in the garden and there is always an internal spiritual war inside our soul just like Paul writes about in today’s passage between good and evil, we can have hope for the future because of what Jesus Christ has done on the Cross.

We can be optimistic because one thing is for sure and creates true joy for the future and that is by accepting Christ as Savior, things only get better. The negative past is washed away, the joy of the present is highlighted, and the future is brighter each and every day.

At times, we may feel like a round peg trying to fit into a square hole but fortunately, Jesus died on the Cross to smooth out the edges so that the law of God can reign in our life. With Christ, we are prepared for this world, can make an impact, and then are assured of fitting in to our forever home with Him.

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This day with You Lord, we pray to trust You more with all our heart. Your Word is the truth that cleans our past and sets a new path to a glorious future. Free our minds from the negatives of this world so that we can better serve You. There will be good times and bad times but in all times, You will be there with us because of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

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Directions for Our Steps

Posted on October 31, 2017 by Mark Shields

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. – Proverbs 16:9
 
Pointed out in the post “The Purpose for the Law”, salvation and sanctification are not obtained by keeping a list of rules but in knowing Christ. The law reveals right and wrong, initiating accurate thinking and self-discipline for the purpose of obtaining the intangible qualities of Christ.

Without God’s principles and the example given to us in Christ, we wouldn’t have much. Like this song points out Me Without You – TobyMac, we have all we need to become a champion for God.

Since we have a plan to direct our steps today, let us believe that we have a better shot at getting things done. Let us believe that things will fall in place and we will end up getting a lot more done than we ever thought we could. 
 

 

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The Purpose for the Law

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Mark Shields

In Romans 7:7-13, Paul explains that the law and sin are not identical. The law only points out sin and does not cause the sin. Although they are somewhat related because human nature is to want and do what one should not. By itself, the law is holy and righteous but our nature causes us to react in a negative way towards prohibitions.

A person must work harder to accept the law rather than reject it. Holy living on the other hand requires work. It takes discipline to have faith, integrity and good judgment. On the other hand, fear, laziness, and negative thought happens without any effort.

This passage points out that trying to keep rules does not attain holy living. The more rules we have, the more ways there will be to get around the rules. Salvation and sanctification are not obtained by keeping a list of rules but in knowing Christ. Knowing how He lived shows us how to live out our lives in our family, at work, or whatever we do.

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This day with You Lord, by following Your plan for us, we are bound by a common purpose, we stick together, and stay the course. As we have read in today’s passage, the purpose of the law is to tell us what is wrong and right. Help us to understand and to follow the example you have given us in Your Son. Amen.

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