The Week Ahead

Posted on May 7, 2017 by Mark Shields

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

Below are some questions for reflection.

Galatians 3:1-9
*On what basis does a person receive the Spirit? What specific promise or commandment is God asking you to believe (act on) today?

Galatians 3:10-14
*Can you erase past guilt by trying harder to obey the law in the present? Who has brought you out of the curse (punishment) of the law? How? Why?

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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.

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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Run to the ONE

Posted on May 5, 2017 by Mark Shields

Joshua 16-19 has inspired the poem below. God wants us to accept our lot in life. He gives each of us talents and ideas. This weekend my friends, use these talents and ideas for His glory.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Receiving the gift
Obtained through His Son;
In all occasions
I run to the ONE.

Taking just one step,
One step at a time;
Higher and higher
I persist on the climb.

The Holy Spirit
Promised to me;
Joyfully received
And setting me free.

Your Spirit given
Is a great reward;
Flowing inside me
Proceeding outward.

Thank You for the helper
From up above.
May my life be proof
Of Your boundless love.

By Mark Shields – © 05-04-2017
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Christ Lives Inside

Posted on May 4, 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 

Written about in the post “Connection to the Vine” are two ways of thinking about salvation. Paul’s way of thinking is that faith in Christ as the Son of God is how we are justified and not by observing the Old Testament law.

We face difficulties on a daily basis … a family member is sick, a rough day at work, trying to balance work, home, and school work. When we face these difficult days, accepting Christ and being connected to the Vine is how we receive the power to make it through.

As emphasized in the song I will Trust in You by Lauren Daigle, the power received through Jesus can move the mountains, part the waters, and provide a victorious future. 


Index of devotionals

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Connection to the Vine

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Mark Shields

There were different ways of thinking about salvation as described in Galatians 2:11-21. One way to salvation which was represented by Paul is that faith in Christ Jesus is how a person is saved. To have a sustaining faith there has to be a connection to the Vine or Jesus Christ.

Another way of thinking which was represented by Peter is that one is justified by adherence to the law. Peter’s way to salvation actually nullifies God’s grace and makes Christ’s death of no purpose.

I remember one time when my daughter had a problem with her iPod. It was no longer connected to the Wifi. Sometimes we can have days where we just don’t feel connected to God. It makes a big difference between having a good day and a bad one.

Jesus Christ is our connection. Each day we wake up, we can still dream and believe because God can make anything new. We can be accountable to one another and we can make an impact on others if we live out our faith. Faith gained today will pull us through tomorrow so we can step ahead day by day.

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This day with you Lord, every doubt or fear will be replaced with a deep abiding trust in You.  Errors of a lifetime can be corrected TODAY! Christ in us leads to peace, resolve, confidence, and victory.

 

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One Mind and One Voice

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Mark Shields

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 15:5-6 

The post “Through His Diverse People” has some thoughts about Christianity and how it is like a relay race. We all help each other out with our unique abilities for God’s purposes.

A diverse group of people has an advantage because with one mind and one voice, they have the opportunity to pull together with various ideas and skill sets. Each day can be amazing when we fix problems together.

This song by Miranda Lambert talks about the pluses of All Kinds of Kinds.


Index of devotionals

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