Notes to Your Younger Self

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Mark Shields

The Lord gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. – Joshua 21:43 

As brought out in the post “Follow Instructions”, God is continually requiring His people to follow instructions and when they follow, He is faithful to fulfill His promises just as in the scripture at the top of this post.

As His people, we sometimes get complacent and instead of continually seeking His excellence, we give in to the negatives promoted by the enemy. Everyone needs God’s grace and once received, one can gain wisdom to live the way life is meant to be lived.

Take some time to look back on life and write notes to your younger self. Here’s a video to inspire: Dear Younger Me by MercyMe. Take these notes to not only help provide a brighter path for your own future but to share with others so their future path is much brighter too!


Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Good Common Sense | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Follow Instructions

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Mark Shields

For God’s people to receive what He promised, they were required to follow instructions. In Joshua 20-21 we read about the refuge God provides His people when they follow instructions. We also read what happens when they are complacent.

Joshua 20 is about refuge. In the ancient world there was no police force or a judicial system to protect people. It was mob rule so six cities were set aside for people that needed protection. We can be thankful today because the Lord is our refuge and strength. (PS 91:2)

Joshua 21 is about complacency. The people were happy with mediocrity and didn’t aim for excellence. They stood aside rather than making the needed adjustments. When God’s people follow instruction, the outcome is always victory, peace, and rest.

The challenge we face against an enemy that promotes negatives is standing up for what is excellent and righteous instead of being silent. We need to fill our thoughts with positives.

Here’s one idea: take a walk in your neighborhood each day. If you have a dog, take them for a walk and as you walk, memorize scripture, think about your day; what good things did you experience and what bad things did you experience that provided a lesson for the future and a lesson to share with others.

Image Source

This day with You Lord, help us to never get complacent but stay involved in making this world a better place. Let us not settle for mediocrity but have faith in You to lead us to excellence. Our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never lets us down. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

 

Posted in Bible Study, Good Common Sense | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Week Ahead

Posted on April 9, 2017 by Mark Shields

This week, we will continue the journey and share some thoughts from the study of Joshua 20-22.

Below are some questions for reflection
Joshua 20-21
What is God continually requiring from his people? What are some ideas in how to stand up for what is excellent and righteous instead of being silent? In what past or recent situations have you experienced God’s faithfulness?

Joshua 22
What is Joshua’s primary concern for the Israelites who will be living on the other side of the Jordan? Why do the eastern tribes build an altar by the Jordan? What do the other tribes misunderstand? What can you learn from this event about your consideration for the actions of others?

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
Index of Devotionals

 

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

Brenham During The Spring

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Mark Shields

This poem is about a town in Texas that is beautiful this time of the year. I lived there for about 12 years as a kid growing up. If you get a chance to travel near Austin or Houston, set aside some time to visit this neat town for a while.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Check out the flowers,
The creamery,
The town of Brenham,
And the scenery.

Image Source

Come to the Maifest;
The sight will unfold
As it warms the soul
From the winter’s cold.

Image Source

Go by Blinn college
Main building landmark.
Watch the Buccaneers
Or Cubs at Fireman’s park.

The place called Texas
Baseball capital
Where the Brenham team
Is unflappable.

Image Source

Many fun things to do
So bring a suitcase
And have a cold one
At the barbecue place.

By Mark Shields – © 04-06-2017

Map

View original post

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

Accepting The Ultimate Gift

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Mark Shields

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

From the post “Joyfully Take Possession of What God has Given” written about were some lessons in seizing every opportunity to accept and use the gifts God has given. The Israelites were given land as an inheritance. We may not receive land but we are given the Holy Spirit if we accept Christ in our heart. We can then use our talents and ideas to glorify God.

If tempted to hold back, have the attitude of ownership in all that you do because God has given the ultimate gift in Christ. The scripture above and the song Proof of Your Love – For King & Country reminds us that the love that flows in us flows freely without any inhibitions.


Index of devotionals

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