Set Free

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Mark Shields

Paul explains in Galatians 3:19-29 that it is faith in Christ that sets us free. The Law can reveal sin but it can’t provide eternal life. Faith in Christ disarms the power sin has over us so we are saved. There was no need for the law once Christ was resurrected and now the Holy Spirit indwells all believers.

The Holy Spirit in all believers creates the feeling of oneness as we have concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can pray for each other and know that God is with us fixing the issues that hold us back.

At home or at work, no job is too menial. In everything we do, we are inspired to work hard because we are working for Christ. We can have confidence in what we do and we have a greater chance of being the best person we can be because of Christ.

This day with You Lord, we pray that we follow Your will in our lives. That we take what You are doing and work together to give You glory. We are thankful for the Holy Spirit because we are able to tap into Your resources. We have available the faith, hope, and love from other believers and can get help from their talents and skills. We work as a team as Jesus is the team leader. He provides the Way and give us the directions. Amen.

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Let Thanksgiving Overflow

Posted on May 16, 2017 by Mark Shields

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. – Psalm 100:4 

As written in the post, “Promise is Fulfilled” explained is how the law and the promise is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. We have ups and downs in life. There are times where the future seems gloomy but then in a moment, something can inspire us to keep going. It may be something you read, it may be something you see like a sunrise or sunset, or it might be a song you hear.

Christians believe the ultimate reward is salvation. The law in the Old Testament is not set aside. Instead, it is followed more clearly through the promise fulfilled in Christ. This day, know that Christ is Holy and by accepting Christ as Savior, you have what is needed to be perfect in God’s eye.   

There is no need to get uptight about things in life. Today, make a decision to let it go and trust that everything will work out. The focus for today is to enjoy each moment so as we begin, receive inspiration from this song O Praise Him by David Crowder Band . 


Index of devotionals

 

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Promise is Fulfilled

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Mark Shields

In Galatians 3:15-18, Paul refutes the objection that the Law of Moses annuls the promise to Abraham. Instead, he explains that the law and the promise is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. The ultimate reward for Christians is salvation and the law in the Old Testament is not set aside but is followed through the promise fulfilled in Christ.

God’s Word explains the promise of an ultimate reward given without any conditions. We are not taskmasters who have to earn the reward but those who are loved by God. We were created for relational reasons as God’s companion and He wants each of us to grow spiritually.

Each day, we get a new start by God’s grace. We may miss the mark some days but grace took on flesh and became visible in the person of Christ. Through Christ, we are forgiven and by accepting Christ as Savior, we have just what we need to be perfect in God’s eye.

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This day with You Lord will be amazing. We may face a few difficulties today but we can feel sure that these difficulties will be overcome. We can look forward to things falling into place for a great day and for this, we give praise to You today. Amen.

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The Week Ahead

Posted on May 14, 2017 by Mark Shields

This week, we will continue the journey and share more thoughts from the study of Galatians 3.

Below are some questions for reflection:

Galatians 3:15-18
*Is any condition laid on Abraham to receive the promise (See Gen. 15:1-21)? How does Paul refute the objection that the Law of Moses annuls the promise to Abraham and show the priority of faith? How do you receive the inheritance of salvation?

Galatians 3:19-29
*What does faith do that that the law cannot do? How can you display oneness with other believers in Christ today?

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. 

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Index of Devotionals

 

*Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
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Excellent Instructions

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Mark Shields

God wants us to follow instructions and when we do, He fulfills His promises. The instruction manual is the Bible. Have a wonderful weekend and look forward to a victorious future with peace and rest.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Being complacent
Never helps to make
This world a better place
For goodness sake.

Stand for excellence
And what is righteous
Instead of being silent
To end a crisis.

Follow the instructions
Found in God’s Word
And He will be true
With power transferred.

He will be faithful
To fulfill His promises
And make many fools
Out of doubting Thomases.

Bringing peaceful rest
For all with liberty
And the outcome
Always victory.

By Mark Shields – © 05-11-2017
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