The Week Ahead

Posted on April 30, 2017 by Mark Shields

This week, we will continue the journey and share some thoughts from the study of Galatians 2.

Below are some questions for reflection
Galatians 2:1-10
*Why was Paul’s authority challenged by church leaders? Does the gospel you give to others lead them into freedom or bondage? How can you be concerned with the poor around you?

Galatians 2:11-21
*What different ways of thinking about salvation do Cephas (Better known as Peter) and Paul represent? In each way, on whose action does justification depend? Why can’t Peter’s way ever again be possible as explained by Paul in view of verse 20?

Index of Devotionals

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.  

Image Source – The Bridge – God’s Plan and God’s Purpose

 

*Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Patiently Waiting

Posted on April 29, 2017 by Mark Shields

This poem was inspired after reading Joshua 14-15. Caleb waited 45 years for the land God had promised him. He had followed God wholeheartedly with courage, was patient, and had confidence in God. This reward was finally earned for himself and his family. In all we do, we can have the same patience as we look forward to God’s great reward.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Every obstacle
will be overcome
by fervently
following the ONE.

Maintaining great faith
That each charge is won
by doing God’s will
until it is done.

Clinging to His Word
and taking action
upon each duty
until completion.

Rejoicing in progress
throughout the day
and keeping on the path
of the perfect Way.

Patiently waiting
For our noble Lord
and receiving the
ultimate reward.

By Mark Shields – © 04-27-2017
Image Source

View original post

Posted in Devotionals, Poems | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

No Confusion

Posted on April 28, 2017 by Mark Shields

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. – Mark 1:35 

As brought out in the post “Purpose in Saving Each of Us”, being a leader within our families and those we see the most gives us an opportunity to spread the Good News and give glory to God.

Jesus prayed for direction in fulfilling His purpose. We can do the same each morning as we start the day. He will help us to put things in order and then like the domino effect, our items on our task list will start to fall one after another.

We can be confused at times but when we pray, we get direction so as in this song, Thy Will be Done by Hillary Scott & Family we can know that God has placed us in our present circumstances for a reason.


Index of devotionals

 

Posted in Devotionals, Purpose | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Purpose in Saving Each of Us

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Mark Shields

Paul explains in Galatians 1:11-24 that he received the Gospel by revelation from Jesus Christ. Before his conversion, he persecuted Christians but after his conversion, he was the chosen instrument to proclaim the name of Jesus to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel (v. 15). God saved Paul for the purpose of spreading the Gospel message.

God also has a purpose in saving each of us and placing us where we are at this moment. By receiving instructions to the Way, we are equipped to lead others in our present circumstance and God has placed us where we are for a reason.

This day will be amazing because of who God is and who we are; an important name in history – one of His children. He gives plans to make a difference in society so that other people will glorify Him because of who we are.

Image Source

This day with You God, we pray for the ability balance everything in life so we can finish all that You want us to accomplish. Be with us as we pay attention to our priorities; putting the study of Your Way first. Spending time with You in prayer so we put our tasks in proper order. In Jesus name. Amen.

 

Posted in Bible Study, Purpose | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Call Upon His Name

Posted on April 26, 2017 by Mark Shields

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. – Psalm 145:18 

With faith, we can be like Paul as written about in the post “Continue to Cleave to the ONE You Believe” and have confidence in what we believe. There is no fear of mistakes because with God and by accepting the gift of Christ, we receive the peace of knowing we have a clean slate.

Like in the song Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United, we can go deeper and walk upon on the waters where our faith is made stronger and stronger. Because we are always in the presence of our Savior, we can trust without borders. God can move mountains and part the waters so we can walk through every difficulty. This day, let us call upon His name with trust in the solid foundation of the Gospel. Following His plan always leads to victory.


Index of devotionals

Posted in Bible Study, Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment