The Best Way

Posted on June 2, 2017 by Mark Shields

This poem was inspired after the study of Joshua 24. As Joshua reviews Israel’s history, he emphasizes how God was involved and brought them from the land of slavery to the Promised Land. There is always hope for a better tomorrow when you are with God and He is with you.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Even if feeling lost,
Keep holding on
For hope is in front,
Yesterday is gone.

Even during pain,
To Him always cleave.
Trust it will be brief
Expecting relieve.

Even if constrained,
Feeling at a loss,
Be inspired by Jesus
What was done on the Cross.

Examine your hopes
And all of your thoughts.
God can take them all
Lead you to better spots.

Along this journey
To a brighter day
Where there is hope
In going His Way.

By Mark Shields – © 06-01-2017
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Clear Way To Our Victory

Posted on June 1, 2017 by Mark Shields

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. – Ephesians 2:8

In the post “Discover the Freedom In Christ”, Paul reemphasized the importance of Christ in our heart for there is great power in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. His death on the Cross and resurrection became the clear way to our victory.

This day with God, take in the Word to fortify. Remain optimistic because with God, we are highly favored and as pointed out in the song My Victory by Crowder, the Cross which was meant to kill became our victory and makes us live again. 


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Discover the Freedom In Christ

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Mark Shields

Reading in Galatians 5:1-12, it is significant that Paul reemphasizes the need to discover the freedom in Christ in order to be saved. Paul makes it clear that he is simply the messenger to the Galatians and that Christ is the ONE who can provide the freedom that is needed to get back to a relationship with our Heavenly Father. The clear way to eternity is provided by faith in Jesus Christ.

Because of Christ, everything that hinders and the sin that entangles is thrown off. All the heavy weight that holds us back from running this race called life is lifted off our backs. Christ endured the Cross to save us from our sins and provide the eternal victory.

Lord, this day we know there is freedom in Christ Jesus because the clear way to victory has been provided. Our hope as a believer is to be righteous through the Spirit. As our faith is expressed through love today, we know the victory is assured. Amen.

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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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