Time to Do Something

Posted on May 30, 2017 by Mark Shields

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. – James 1:22-24

As pointed out in the post “Made Free In Christ”, the Holy Spirit became available for all who believe in Christ; giving strength, guidance, and power do something. With freedom comes the responsibility to make the right choices and apply our faith as the Spirit councils our daily activities.

This day with God, let us look through the prism of God’s principles. Let us listen to music that inspires, let us observe people who live according to God’s principles, and let us seek better ways to share with others the lessons learned.

We can come up with ideas that can help everyone live better lives. God created us be His hands and feet. Just like in the song Do Something by Matthew West, let us build on what God has done yesterday and let us dream big dreams for tomorrow. 


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Made Free In Christ

Posted on May 29, 2017 by Mark Shields

Paul talks about two women in Galatians 4:21-31. One was the slave woman named Hagar and the other was the free woman named Sarah. As Christians, Paul explains that we are more like the child of the free woman because we are free in Christ. With freedom comes the responsibility to make the right choices as we receive help from the Holy Spirit’s counseling in our daily activities.

The Law requires works for salvation but the grace received by accepting Christ simply requires faith on our part. Our main focus should then be to put our relationship with Jesus ahead of our religious activity.

Christians are born again which is a supernatural birth just like the child of the free woman written about in today’s passage. We are able to make the connection with God and seek His advice. The Spirit will help us solve problems at work, at home, and wherever we are.

This day with God, let us make our time count for the Lord by first getting our instruction through prayer which is our greatest power. Lord, we come to You today and are grateful to have this conversation with You; the ONE who already has the answer to the issues of our day. Let us put Your guidance into practice today. Let us build on what You did yesterday and dream big dreams for tomorrow. Amen. 

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The Week Ahead

Posted on May 28, 2017 by Mark Shields

This week, we will continue the journey and share more thoughts from the study of Galatians 4-5. Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Below are some questions for reflection

Galatians 4:21-31
Which child of Abraham are Christians more like? Why? What are the responsibilities of being made free in Christ? How will you exercise them today?

Galatians 5:1-12
What is significant about Paul’s reemphasis of accepting Christ as Savior (See also Galatians 1:1, 1:11-24)? Being justified, what is your hope as a believer? How does this fact affect your attitude toward yourself and others?

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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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Fighting For You

Posted on May 27, 2017 by Mark Shields

This poem was inspired after reading Joshua 23. We can count on the Lord to fight for us. Because of grace, we have the Lord on our side to prepare a clear path for us. He will remove the obstacles in our way. So stick to His plan for you and bring Him Glory.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Deadline approaching;
Project coming due;
No need to panic;
God can get you through.

All it ever takes
Is full allegiance
To His flawless way
And Omnipresence.

Giving victories!
More than all the grains
Of sand on the earth
For it is God who reigns.

The Lord fights for you;
He will help ensure
A brighter future ahead
That’s always secure.

He prepares a path
Without obstructions
So just step ahead
With His instructions.

By Mark Shields – © 05-25-2017
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By Grace Saved By Faith

Posted on May 26, 2017 by Mark Shields

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. – 2 Corinthians 6:3

In the post “All Obstacles Are Removed”, studied was how some spiritual leaders tried to set up stumbling blocks that confused the Galatians. They were more concerned about maintaining their own power over others rather than explaining God’s love for them as demonstrated on the Cross.

A person can go from being a nobody to a somebody when they understand God’s love for them. Jesus demonstrated that love and this song Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) by Chris Tomlin explains the freedom we have received by accepting Christ as Savior. 


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