Can People See God Reflected In Me

Posted on March 31, 2025 by Mark Shields

Questions for Reflection

What is the difference between the situation of the people in 42:25 and 43:2? What knowledge of the kindness and salvation of God is bottled up, silent, inside you? Why? How can you open up this knowledge of the kindness and salvation of God, so others are willing to receive?

Scripture Passage

Isaiah 42:18 through 43:13

Reading the passage today and reflecting on the questions for reflection, the people of Israel were in bondage in Babylon. They were in a situation of being robbed, trapped, and targeted because they had been deaf and blind (42:18-20).

We can be deaf and blind too. The knowledge of the kindness and salvation of God can be bottled up and silent inside us. The Good News is that the humble servant or Jesus Christ helps us see.

Jesus is the word in the flesh who gives us an example to help us see. We can also point this out to others to help them see who God is and what He has done and will do in the future. On top of that, people can see God reflected in us.

Everyone faces difficulties and those going through difficulties need to know there are others who care. Think of an act of kindness to make things just a little better for those going through difficult days. Encourage them with the truth of God’s promise for better tomorrows.

Meeting with other believers who walk in truth is so important. I remember when I got out of college, moved to Waco, and was looking to make friends with good people that would help me grow in my faith, so I started going to a local church. I met a group of friends, and we would get together every Sunday morning and on Thursday evenings.

We would pray for each other. I remember one time when we organized a prayer chain. We each wrote up a concern or need on a note card and put all the cards at the altar in the prayer chapel at our church. We each signed up for a time slot so that at least one person was praying at that chapel throughout the weekend. We could review the cards and pray about the needs or concerns for about thirty minutes.

This day, we have opened God’s Word and tried to answer the questions for reflection. His Word along with the Holy Spirit directs us toward better tomorrows. Do great works through us God and empower us to encourage others through our writing. It is a great purpose to grow in faith together, build each other up, and pray for each other. We are thankful for technology so we can share at anytime and anywhere. May we be compassionate and kind as we keep Christ in mind. Amen.

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Thought From Devotional 03-28-3035

Posted on March 28, 2025 by Mark Shields

A thought from John 19:17-30 is that Jesus lived a life of unwavering dedication to the divine plan outlined in the Scriptures, fulfilling every detail with profound faithfulness. Even in the face of immense pressure and unimaginable suffering, He exhibited remarkable composure and grace, willingly offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. His selfless act of love bore the weight of humanity’s sin, bridging the chasm between us and God. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus provided the way for redemption, paying the debt we could never settle on our own. It is a testament to His boundless love and obedience to God’s perfect will.

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Reward is with the Lord

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Mark Shields

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. – Revelation 22:12

The big takeaway from “The Truth” is that the prophecy was fulfilled in Christ and the reward is with Him. This truth provides the victory and a champion for God consistently applies the essentials which God provides for a successful life.

As the song No One Like Our God by Lincoln Brewster gives us questions like “Who set the sky upon the hills and told the waters to be still”, we have questions and no one can answer like our God.

Index of devotionals

Thanks for reading. Please like, follow, and pass on to others … Share that the reward is with the Lord!

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The Truth

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Mark Shields

One day Jimmy got home early from school and his mom asked, “Why are you home so early?” He answered, “Because I was the only one that answered a question in my class.” She said, “Wow, my son is a genius. What was the question?” Jimmy replied, “The question was “Who threw the trash can at the principal’s head?” [1]

This day with God, we will use the questions below to stimulate our thoughts about today’s passage.

Questions for Reflection

What does God challenge the idols to prove? What is God’s proof? How is He going to carry out His proof (See 41:2, 15-16, 25)? How can you give glory to God today? What is the reward for following God’s plan?

Scripture Passage

Isaiah 41:21 through 42:17

In today’s passage, God gives a challenge for the idols to prove they are greater. He challenges them to tell them about the future or do something either good or bad to create fear. It is explained that the works of idols are worthless and whoever chooses idols to worship is detestable.

Explained is that God sends Truth, but idols send disinformation. Their deeds amount to nothing, and their images are but wind and confusion (v.29). On the other hand, God brings good counsel and provides direction. He will carry out what He says so we need to share with others and relate His judgment upon Israel to each nation today. If the world continues to resist God, there will be consequences so our hope should always be in God when facing trouble.

This day with God, give Him glory. Let us pray for His assistance in designing our life plan and how we can help others. Let us all dream about how rewarding it will be to carry this plan out. Let us be servants and dedicate this day to the Lord by producing the fruits of the Spirit like love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

We Pray today to be prepared for the challenges ahead. To stay strong and never stop being inspired by the victory that Christ brings. Our momentum grows because of the prophecy fulfilled in Christ and the reward is with Him. This truth provides victory and a champion for the Lord consistently applies their faith as they step ahead along the way. Amen.

[1]  Laugh Factory.” Joke Of The Day,  http://www.laughfactory.com/jokes/popular-jokes/all-time/26

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God will Strengthen and Help

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Mark Shields 
So do not fear, for I am with you;
   Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

Explained in “Courage to Make a Stand” it was noted that with God, we have the courage to say no. We have the courage to face the truth because He will take care of us.  We strive to do what He wants because being on His side is the key to victory. He will help deliver from the adversary and transform our circumstances. This day with God, get others to be on His side by sharing the Good News of grace, hope, and healing.

Today’s song is Battle Is The Lord’s by Rebecca St. James (feat. Brandon Lake). Know that God is in control. Be bold, stay in the Light, take courage in the fight because there is power and glory with peace and victory.

Index of devotionals

Thanks for reading. Please like, follow, and pass on to others … Take hold of His righteous right hand!

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