Reach New Heights

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Mark Shields

As written in Exodus 23:1-19, God is seeking to develop in His people a quality of life that is fair and just for all. Mentioned is the need for a day of rest and a time to recharge. A growing faith will not go up and down like the stock market. Instead, faith will continue to grow over a lifetime and continue to free us up to reach new heights.

Another thought brought out in today’s passage is that we should depend on God’s power rather than on our own ability. This requires setting aside a time of renewal, celebration and praise. Just as instructions were given to the Israelites for annual feasts, we should also set aside time for celebration and praise. Some ways to praise God are through our actions, our music, and through prayer.

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This day with You Lord, help us to reach new heights. To face challenges head on by having faith that everything will work out with You by our side. Help us to use the skills You have given each of us, help us to be happy with who You made us to be, and let us depend on You to provide the power. Amen.

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The Week Ahead

Posted on June 25, 2017 by Mark Shields

This week, we will continue the journey and share more thoughts from the study of Exodus 23.

Index of Devotionals

Below are some questions for reflection:

Exodus 23:1-19
*What quality of life is God seeking to develop in His people here? What needs do the commands of verses 10-13 meet? What changes can you make so that a day of rest is a time of renewal instead of frantic activity for you and others? When and how do you express gratitude to God?

Exodus 23:20-33
*What are the provisional conditions and promises God makes? What are the areas in which God will bless Israel if they serve Him? Are these blessing available to us today and how can we receive them?

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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*Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
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Make Every Day Count

Posted on June 23, 2017 by Mark Shields

I enjoy writing inspirational poems and this one is inspired by a sermon at my church. This weekend, share a thought from one of the great sermons you attend in your community or on a podcast.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Make every day count
By being Jesus centered
For you are the light
And been well mentored.

Make every day count
By proclaiming
God’s eternal truth
Forever unchanging.

Make every day count
By being humble
Before God and others
So to never stumble.

Make every day count
By reading the Bible,
Growing in faith,
And making disciples.

Make every day count
Christ we are following
Loving each other
Praying, encouraging.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 06-22-2017
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Inspired from Sermon – Make Every Day Count

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Putting God First

Posted on June 22, 2017 by Mark Shields

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2

One of the main questions I tried to answer within the post “Responsible To Each Other” was how do we put God first in the future? After reading the passage and giving it some thought, the best way to answer the question is by putting God FIRST in our finances, our interests, our relationships, and in our time.  Like the song Fix My Eyes by King & Country, we should fix our eyes on the things of God.

 

 
I remember a while back when I drove to work and saw a double rainbow in the sky. I got out of my truck and started walking up the hill to the office when I realized that I left my badge in my truck so I walked back to my truck and noticed the rainbow again.

This time, I took a few seconds to aim my smart phone to get a picture of the rainbow. If we focus on God’s beauty, we are able to make it through anything and realize that at the end of the rainbow of life, there is a pot of gold because those who give up what’s in the world and follow Christ, receive eternal riches in the kingdom of God. 

Index of devotionals

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Responsible To Each Other

Posted on June 21, 2017 by Mark Shields

Within Exodus 22:16-31 are various laws that keep people in a society responsible to each other. We are to respect and know that all people have value in God’s eye including widows, the oppressed, the poor, and the fatherless. The attitude towards those in need illustrates the mercy and compassion of our ONE true God.

Think of what you give to God in your time and financial resources. Then think about priorities. They should match so that we are committed to love each other in the same way that God loves us. We are to be responsible and have quality relationships. If we love and serve God, we will also love His people and be focused on what is good for them.

We can put God first in the future by studying how Jesus lived on earth and by knowing our purpose; what God wants from us. For where our treasure is, so is our heart. If we give our treasure to God, He can take it to the limit. Our treasure includes not only our money but also our time, our strengths, and expertise in certain areas.

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This day with You Lord, help us to see You in all that we do. We may see You in a song, in a prayer, or another blog post where we get a clearer picture of Christ. Help us to apply what we see in our daily life. Also, help us to encourage others going through difficult times. Amen.

 

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