Walking on Water

Posted on June 11, 2017 by Mark Shields

Galatians 1:1-10 inspired this poem. With faith, we can be like Paul and have confidence in what we believe. We can go deeper because there is no fear. There is a clean slate to begin anew and we can trust in the solid foundation of the gospel. Following His plan always helps us walk through every difficulty and keeps us on top. ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Because of God’s grace
Through Jesus our Lord,
We have confidence
In this one accord.

Solid foundation
Upon which the Gospel
Has been founded
With Christ our model.

Our eternal future
Brings ultimate peace.
Every doubt or fear
Seems to always cease.

An abiding trust
Replaces our fear
As a sustaining
Faith is made more clear.

Faith gained this good day
Being Spirit led
Meeting new challenges
As we step ahead.

By Mark Shields – © 06-08-2017
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Two Are Better Than One

Posted on June 8, 2017 by Mark Shields

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

The post “Walk by the Spirit” has some thoughts and ideas towards blessing others. I also remember a while back when our church did a Mobile Pack Event for Feed my Starving Children. It was a fun event for adults and children. There were jobs for everyone to help get all the food ingredients into 100,000 food pack meals that was sent to various places where it was needed around the world.

We all need the help of others from time to time in life. We can all find comfort in knowing that God is big enough to get us through and He provides many believers to pick us up. Be inspired by today’s song called How Great is Our God – Chris Tomlin. 


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Walk By the Spirit

Posted on June 7, 2017 by Mark Shields

As explained in Galatians 6:1-10, we should develop certain attitudes towards ourselves and others if we are to walk by the Spirit. As given to us in Galatians 5:14, the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this command of Christ: “Love your neighbor as yourself”.

So be concerned for those that get off the path. Gently help them to get back on track and share their burdens. We reap what we sow and to please the Spirit, we should bless all who we meet. In so doing, we can earn eternal dividends.

To bless those around you, determine what you can provide for your family, neighborhood, or workplace. Impart thoughts and ideas that will please the Spirit by being useful; benefiting all with whom you associate.

When two or more are gathered trying to do some good, there is another force at work which gives extra energy and power. It’s not just two minds but a third at work that is involved in finding the solution. That is why prayer is so very important as we receive help from the Holy Spirit by taking in instructions. We then start doing what is needed to be done and receive the Helper to make it happen.

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This day with You Lord, help us to reach out and receive the power You offer. Help us to tap into Your resources and build up faith, hope, and love in other believers. Help us to work together using each of our individual talents and skills to glorify You. Amen.

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Discover The Blessings

Posted on June 6, 2017 by Mark Shields

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. – Romans 8:26-27

Life is not always easy and we sometimes question why bad things happen to us but even in our weakest moments our faith helps us to step ahead. As pointed out in the post “Step Ahead With The Spirit” we have available to us a power that can take on whatever comes our way.

The Spirit helps us even in our weakest moments to solve problems at work, at home, and wherever we are. The key to fulfilling the mission God has for us is knowing how to live life by applying the intangibles of faith into the tangibles of good deeds.

As emphasized in the song Blessings by Laura Story, have faith that even in your weakest moments that there is a greater strength inside that is at work to provide blessings for your future. 
 

 

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Step Ahead With The Spirit

Posted on June 5, 2017 by Mark Shields

The freedom to which we have been called is through Christ. Galatians 5:13-24 explains how we can step ahead with the Spirit now and into the future. We are free from the Law and this opens up the opportunity to discover God’s blessings each and every day.

We can walk by faith today by integrating our faith with our lifestyle; serving through love and remembering how the Spirit is at work. The purpose is to step ahead with the Spirit and deliver the Good News to as many people as possible.

We can honor God by growing the fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (v. 22). As we study God’s Word, we are feeding our soul with the needed resources and inspiration to do what it says. Through prayer, we are prompted by the Holy Spirit in ways to glorify God.

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This day with You Lord, we ask that we put Your guidance into practice. We know that prayer is our greatest power because we are speaking and listening to the ONE who has the answers. We can lean on You today and know that You are big enough to take on whatever comes our way. In Jesus name. Amen

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