Dream About The Possibilities

Posted on October 22, 2016 by Mark Shields

Many times, all it take is the courage to dream and work as a team. Have a wonderful weekend my friends!

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Simply going after dreams
Can lead to breakthroughs
Never obtained before;
Opening up new avenues.

Each of you has unique talents
And matchless abilities.
Given for a purpose
With unlimited possibilities.

Thinking about space exploration,
The planet learned about in major ways
Is the planet that we currently live on
Making possible a future of better days.

Learned from space exploration are matters
Concerning physics, geography, and the weather.
With a dream and a mission, knowledge is gained
So new discoveries are made as we dream together.

What is it that is needed?
Just the courage to dream
And to set out on a mission
Working together with a team.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 10-06-2016
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Praise for What He Gave

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Mark Shields

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. – 1 Corinthians 2:9

What is our greatest reward in this life? Is it nice houses, cars, and cloths, or is it waking up early with God, studying the Word, praying, and knowing He is with us throughout our day. Unfortunately, as written about in the post “Our True Reward”, many look for their happiness, needs, and desires from this world rather than from God.

Take a moment to watch this video: Good, Good Father – Chris Tomlin. Let us keep our eyes on the true reward today for with God, we can sincerely believe that each hardship we face can be overcome. We can be enthusiastic; going about this day by taking action to make it our best day ever. Then our tomorrows will be our best days ahead and we can celebrate progress by giving praise for what He gave.



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Our True Reward

Posted on October 20, 2016 by Mark Shields

What are the reasons for Gomer leaving Hosea? What action does Hosea plan to take? In what ways are you like Gomer? How has God made you realize that life’s good things are from Him?

The domestic life of Hosea portrays the unfaithfulness of Israel. His wife named Gomer was unfaithful and so was Israel to God. As pointed out in Hosea 2:1-13, Gomer leaves Hosea because she thinks her lovers can best provide for her happiness, needs, and desires.

Gomer’s path to true happiness will be blocked and her life will be made difficult so she will acknowledge that it was Hosea that best provided for her happiness, needs, and desires. This will result in Gomer returning to him for her rewards.

In many ways, some are like Gomer because they look for happiness, needs, and desires from this world rather than from God. What is more rewarding in life? Is it nice houses, cars, and cloths? Or is it waking up early, studying His Word, praying, and depending on Him as we step ahead throughout our day?

Lord, we come to you today asking for forgiveness for there are times that we are like Gomer. We look for contentment within this world. Help us today to understand that it is You that provides all we need; the everlasting life of true happiness with You. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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Disciplined Listening

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Mark Shields

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. – Proverbs 16:3

As shared in the post Unlimited Potential with God, Israel was not faithful to God and their future was not going to be easy. The lesson for us is to reach out and grab the upper hand of God by setting aside time to study the Word and spending time in prayer.

Here is an idea for today. Instead of taking breaks today, have a praise the Lord prayer time asking for direction for the rest of the day. First, watch this video poem and take every opportunity during pauses throughout the day to watch this video poem; to pray and ask for guidance: This Day with God.


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Unlimited Potential With God

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Mark Shields

As recorded in Hosea 1, the domestic life of Hosea portrays the unfaithfulness of Israel where murder, idolatry, and immorality was rampant. For Hosea would marry a promiscuous woman named Gomer and they would have three children.

The first was a boy and God told Hosea to name the boy Jezreel because of His promise to break Israel’s bow in the Valley of Jezreel. A daughter would be named Lo-Ruhamah (which means “not loved”) because God would no longer show love to Israel but to Judah (v. 7). The second son would be named Lo-Ammi (which means “not my people”) because God declared that the Israelites were no longer His people (v. 9).

So the beginning of this passage lays out the punishment of Israel for their unfaithfulness to God. Israel’s immediate future would not go smooth but the last paragraph of this passage portrays the image of sand on the seashore to compare how unlimited the potential would be for the nation of Israel once they are reunited with God.

This day, the lesson for us is to reach out and take the upper hand by setting aside time to study God’s word. It will take a disciplined effort but by spending time with God as we begin our day, there will be unlimited potential.

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Lord, today we pray that just as the sand of a beach is unlimited, our future looks to be unlimited because of being reunited with You through Jesus. At this moment, we praise You because of this inspiring vision you have given for our future. We pray now for Your guidance to step ahead as we begin this day. We have confidence that the vision will come about and that we will glorify Your name today. Amen.

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