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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The Week Ahead

Posted on June 4, 2017 by Mark Shields

This week, we will continue on the journey and share more thoughts from the study of Galatians 5-6.

Below are some questions for reflection

Galatians 5:13-24
What is the freedom to which you have been called (See Galatians 5:1)? How can you walk by the Spirit today and into the future? How can you honor God today?

Galatians 6:1-10
What are the attitudes you must develop toward yourself and others if you are to walk by the Spirit (See Galatians 5:14)? What is the law of Christ? How will you do good to others today?

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.  

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The Best Way

Posted on June 2, 2017 by Mark Shields

This poem was inspired after the study of Joshua 24. As Joshua reviews Israel’s history, he emphasizes how God was involved and brought them from the land of slavery to the Promised Land. There is always hope for a better tomorrow when you are with God and He is with you.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Even if feeling lost,
Keep holding on
For hope is in front,
Yesterday is gone.

Even during pain,
To Him always cleave.
Trust it will be brief
Expecting relieve.

Even if constrained,
Feeling at a loss,
Be inspired by Jesus
What was done on the Cross.

Examine your hopes
And all of your thoughts.
God can take them all
Lead you to better spots.

Along this journey
To a brighter day
Where there is hope
In going His Way.

By Mark Shields – © 06-01-2017
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Clear Way To Our Victory

Posted on June 1, 2017 by Mark Shields

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. – Ephesians 2:8

In the post “Discover the Freedom In Christ”, Paul reemphasized the importance of Christ in our heart for there is great power in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. His death on the Cross and resurrection became the clear way to our victory.

This day with God, take in the Word to fortify. Remain optimistic because with God, we are highly favored and as pointed out in the song My Victory by Crowder, the Cross which was meant to kill became our victory and makes us live again. 


Index of devotionals

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Discover the Freedom In Christ

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Mark Shields

Reading in Galatians 5:1-12, it is significant that Paul reemphasizes the need to discover the freedom in Christ in order to be saved. Paul makes it clear that he is simply the messenger to the Galatians and that Christ is the ONE who can provide the freedom that is needed to get back to a relationship with our Heavenly Father. The clear way to eternity is provided by faith in Jesus Christ.

Because of Christ, everything that hinders and the sin that entangles is thrown off. All the heavy weight that holds us back from running this race called life is lifted off our backs. Christ endured the Cross to save us from our sins and provide the eternal victory.

Lord, this day we know there is freedom in Christ Jesus because the clear way to victory has been provided. Our hope as a believer is to be righteous through the Spirit. As our faith is expressed through love today, we know the victory is assured. Amen.

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