An Instant Lift Higher

Posted on January 3, 2017 by Mark Shields

For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16 

As shared in the post “The Loving Father”, David was in distress but appealed to the quality of God’s character known as love. The Father gives guidance, instruction, and security. The only requirement from us to receive an instant lift higher today by accepting His gift of love.

Our mood can be instantly lifted by the positive affirmation God gives us through the gift of His Son who was sacrificed for us on the Cross. No matter what has happened in the past, the downward trend can be reversed because the Cross is a big plus. Receive this gift from God and be lifted higher today as you listen to this song of praise: At the Cross – Chris Tomlin.

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The Loving Father

Posted on January 2, 2017 by Mark Shields

There are references in Psalm 25 which show David’s dependence on God. He was in distress but trusted God for guidance, instruction, and security. David appealed to God’s great quality of being a loving Father who offers guidance to His children.

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David faced distress because enemies wanted to kill him. We may not face enemies in the same way that David did but as we read this passage, there may be some words that seem familiar to our own experiences in life. We may face enemies to our freedoms, challenges to our finances, and obstacles to our health.

Like David, we can seek God, learn from His Word, and obey His commands. We can turn to God in prayer and seek His guidance. For the humble, He guides in what is right and teaches them His way (v. 9). For those who fear Him, their needs are provided for and there is protection from enemies.

We can use God’s Word like a compass to guide us along the journey. We can turn our problems of our past into victories for our future. The only requirement is that we cry out to the Lord like David did for help. Today, we have an easier path than David. There is only one requirement for us; accepting Jesus who can reverse our downward trend and get us climbing higher.

Lord, this day we take on our challenges one small step at a time and have confidence that You are big enough to handle each issue we face better than we could on our own. With Your power backing us up, we will be guided in the right direction and protected from traps that are set in life. We look forward to Your loving qualities making an impact in our lives today. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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Champions

Posted on December 31, 2016 by Mark Shields

A poem as we begin the New Year. Have a wonderful weekend and New Year my friends!

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

In sports and in life
there are habits to begin
and the first one to try
is planning to win.

Everyone who competes
Has one common goal.
In golf, it’s getting
the ball in the hole.

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In football, it’s getting
the ball across a certain line
or kicking the ball through
to gain points within time.

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In basketball, it’s getting
the ball in the tiny basket
winning many games to make
the March madness bracket.

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In baseball or softball,
it’s helping a teammate
to touch all the bases
and then home plate.

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In track, it’s running
faster and faster each time
as the runner increases the pace
until getting into their prime.

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The great thing about sports
is that goals are defined
and as we aspire this year in life
let us put this in mind.

Poem by Mark Shields…

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Approach God With Freedom and Confidence

Posted on December 30, 2016 by Mark Shields

In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. – Ephesians 3:12 

As shared in the post “Ascending the Mountain of the Lord”, it’s never too late to make a climb higher towards the mountain of the Lord. By accepting Christ as Savior, we become His hands and feet to make significant moments happen not only in our own lives but in the lives of others.

One small step at a time, we can reach a very high point this day. Receive inspiration from today’s video: Lifesong – Casting Crowns and when you reach the highest point of this day, approach God with freedom and confidence and let Him sign off on your day.


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Ascending the Mountain of the Lord

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Mark Shields

In verse 3 of Psalm 24 is this essential question:

Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?

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By accepting Christ, we can meet the standard set out in verse 4 of today’s passage. Then we start becoming who we could have been all along.

This psalm looks forward to when Christ reigns forever. Until then, we can faithfully live out our days knowing that God is with us in every activity, every conversation, every problem, and even every thought.

This day, we praise the Lord in the glory of His creation, the glory of His salvation, and the glory of His presence. The future is bright because every moment has significance as we do everything for the glory of God. Amen.

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