Pulled Up By The Upper Hand

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Mark Shields

Arrogance leads to destruction, and we know that God allowed Jerusalem to be destroyed, and the people of Israel were put in bondage in Babylon. They had been living upside down and were in their situation because of their disobedience. They didn’t grab the upper hand that God gives His people.

We learn from reading Isaiah 45:20 through 46:13 that the plans of God will be done, and His purpose will totally be won. Thinking that worshiping idols will help is foolishness. They are burdensome, but the One True God lifts our burdens, so our load is lighter. Those who worship the One True God will be pulled up by the upper hand.

Looking back at history, we see that idols fail their worshipers. Instead of carrying the burdens of idol worship, we can lighten the load by loving and trusting God. He provides all that is needed, and the burden of debt has been paid.

Let us learn from the past, be attentive to the present, and prepare for the future. During bad times, we grow, but during good times we know to put the pedal to the metal to go the way of God. To live out the good life by gaining the treasures of a transformed life.

Lord, we know that nothing is perfect in this world but by trusting in Your plan, we are guided by the Light. We pray to follow the Light as we journey ahead towards our destiny. It is clear that Your upper hand will steer us along the path to our destination by following Jesus. In His name we pray. Amen.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

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Thought From Devotional 04-11-2025

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Mark Shields

One thought from John 20:1-10 is that Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of triumph by conquering death, something that seems impossible to human understanding. Through His victory, He opened a path for all who believe in Him to share in that same power—power not just over challenges in life, but even over death itself. The beauty of this gift lies in its personal nature; everyone has the choice to claim a portion of His transformative power by embracing faith. This divine strength, offered freely, enables believers to rise above every obstacle, assuring them that even the final barrier, death, has been defeated. Jesus’ victory reminds us that through Him, the impossible becomes not just attainable, but a promise fulfilled.

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Press On Toward the Goal

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Mark Shields

Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14

A thought from “Aligned with His Purpose” is that it’s important to understand what’s truly meaningful in your life because then you have a starting point for achievement. God has something of significance so pray for your place in His purpose; never let life pass you by.

As the song Lead Me On by Amy Grant inspires, let us sing to the Holy One, and strife to get to a place where the river runs into His keeping. A better place where there is liberty and victory.

Index of devotionals

Thanks for reading. Please like, follow, and pass on to others … Keep pressing toward the goal!

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Aligned with His Purpose

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Mark Shields

There was an eclipse in April 2024, and it was a total eclipse for those in the path of central Texas. The universe designer has set things up so that a small moon gets in the way of a large sun to completely block the light. He set in motion this progression where things line up perfectly.

In a similar way in life, all we must do is be patient and trust. God does not abandon us in our times of struggle but is with us every step of the way, and He has a purpose in all things. Our job is to be aligned with His purpose.

The irrefutable proof that God’s purposes literally materialize is from prophecy (44:28), from nature, and from recorded events. Reading today in Isaiah 44:24 through 45:19, there is prophecy that Cyrus would release the people from captivity and the temple would be rebuilt. We know now that Cyrus did release the people, and that the temple was rebuilt 200 years later. God’s word is absolute truth

In nature, we not only know about things like an eclipse, but we also know that evening comes, then night, and then morning again. We know that it’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter. That the rain, sunshine, and nutrients from the soil make the grass grow green.

The plans for Isreal would help bring God’s purpose of salvation for all people to be significantly fulfilled. We are the hands and feet to carry out God’s plans and He fulfills his purposes through us. This day with God, it’s important to understand what’s truly meaningful in our life because then we have a starting point for achievement. God has something of significance so let us pray for our place in His purpose and never let life pass us by.

Lord, we see the proof of Your great work in nature, in history, and in prophecy being fulfilled. You created the seasons, the sun in the morning, and the stars shining at night. Everything in this universe is for a purpose and You created us for a purpose. Lead us on so we get from one place along this journey to the other by following your plan for us. You want us to be victorious so we ask that things are aligned so that we can glorify You in all we do. Amen.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

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Questions for Reflection of Isaiah 45-50

Posted on April 8, 2025 by Mark Shields

The journey through Isaiah 40-44 over the past few weeks has provided us with encouragement and guidance, setting a solid foundation for the path as we step ahead. As we continue to immerse ourselves in God’s Word, our goal remains to draw wisdom and insight that will empower us to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives—whether at work, at home, or in our interactions with others. This endeavor promises to be a rich and rewarding experience, fortifying our spiritual growth and strengthening our commitment to applying biblical principles in all that we do.

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable as I share about God’s Word. To share about Isaiah, it’s important to have a plan in place. I am thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us, and by accepting Christ as Savior, we have taken the essential steps to make each day amazing. This plan will guide our journey through the book of Isaiah, ensuring that we gain a deeper understanding of the scriptures and apply them meaningfully in our daily lives.

Questions for Reflection

Isaiah 44:24 through 45:19 – What is the irrefutable proof that God’s purposes literally materialize? What purpose of God’s is to be significantly fulfilled in his plans for his servant nation? What is your responsibility to this God today?

Isaiah 45:20 through 46:13 – To what extent will God’s purpose be accomplished? Who really is the recalcitrant? Who are the ones that persevere?  Who stands to win out in the impasse? How does all this relate to your ideas of “The Good Life”?

Isaiah 47 – What does Jerusalem’s invitation to Babylon suggest will happen? What are the metaphors used to depict Babylon’s fate?  What makes you feel secure? Why?

Isaiah 48 – Because captivity is rather to their liking, on what explicit command will they hold back? Are you aware of a command you are ignoring or holding back on because obedience seems a hardship to you? What may be the benefits if you obey? The consequences if you disobey.

Isaiah 49 – What is the servant’s assignment? Who is the escort for the Israelites on their return journey? To what extent do you feel that God has too big a job on his hands? Why?

Isaiah 50 through 51:8 – In less than conciliatory tones what challenge does this listening servant put forth to Israel? What invitation does he extend? Since he is to sustain the weary (50:4), to what example of God’s activity does he point to encourage them when little of consequence seems to be happening?

Feel free to respond with a thoughtful note or a comment about any of the questions discussed. Additionally, I warmly invite you to share your favorite inspirational videos, photos, or Bible verses that have touched your heart. Please contribute your ideas and reflections in the comments or post them on the dedicated Facebook page: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Together, let’s build a nurturing community that uplifts and supports one another in our spiritual growth and journey through faith. Your voice and inspiration can spark hope and encouragement in someone else’s day!

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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

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

“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <https://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

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