The Boomerang Effect

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Mark Shields

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. – Proverbs 11:17 

As highlighted in the post “Invite God in so Kindness Begins”, there are benefits to being observant to the needs of others and reaching out with acts of kindness. It has what is called the boomerang effect!

Paul was observant to the needs of those on the island of Malta and in return was given the needed supplies to complete the journey as they set sail for Italy. He was committed to doing God’s work and his acts of kindness went a long way to open up doors. As we go through this journey called life, let us be observant to the needs of our neighbor.

What we make happen for others because of our kindness has a way of coming back to us so this day with God, make it a point to offer an act of kindness; give a smile or invite someone into a conversation. If we do, there is a strong possibility that a smile or affirming thought may be returned.

When we invite God into our presence to help with our caring actions towards our neighbor, there is strong possibility that we will receive blessings in return. As we celebrate today, here is a great song to inspire our actions: The Invitation – Rachel Belman.



Index of devotionals

 

Posted in Devotionals, Kindness | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Invite God in so Kindness Begins

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Mark Shields

The ship Paul was on as he was being taken to Italy got caught up in a storm and came ashore on the island of Malta. The islanders there showed kindness to those from the ship; building a fire for them to warm them up. Reading in Acts 28:1-10 we come across the event of Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and getting bit by a poisonous viper. The islanders thought Paul would soon die but he suffered no ill effects so they believed Paul was a god (v. 6).

The chief official of the island had an estate nearby so he welcomed them in and showed generous hospitality to them for three days (v. 7).  Paul was observant of the chief official’s situation. His father was sick in bed in a back bedroom. On one occasion, Paul went to visit the chief official’s father, prayed for him, and healed him. In the days to follow, the rest of the sick on the island came to Paul to be cured (v. 9).

Once they were ready to set sail again for Italy, the islanders honored Paul and the crew in many ways and also furnished them with supplies (v. 10). Just as Paul was observant and helpful to the islanders, we should always pay attention to ways we can be helpful and kind to our neighbor. This day with God can be amazing if we are observant to the needs of our neighbor.

Lord, this day we want to be more observant and take every chance today to be kind to our neighbors. We are called to care; to be compassionate and compassion demands action. Today’s passage has taught us about being kind to our neighbor and our neighbor is not just the people that live next door but are everywhere in this world. Everyone that has a need and could use an act of kindness is our neighbor. Help us to be Your hands and feet to bless others today. Amen.

Image Source

Posted in Bible Study, Kindness | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

With all Your Might Do What is Right

Posted on September 10, 2016 by Mark Shields

I enjoy writing inspirational poems and this one is inspired by a sermon at my church. This weekend, share a thought from one of the great sermons you attend in your community or on a podcast.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Run the race with the
finish always in mind
and knowing where you are going
because His Way is aligned.

Use the Word of God
to get out of any trap
by using the instructions
as the perfect road map.

Consider the mission
in all your ways
by following biblical principles
for all of your days.

Turn to Him with all heart,
soul, and amazing strength
reaching out your hand
for His is at arm’s length.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 09-10-2016
Image Source
Inspired from the Sermon – How You Live Is What You Leave

View original post

Posted in Devotionals, Poems | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Trust is a Must

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Mark Shields

The testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. – James 1:3-4

As written about in the post “Faith in His Guidance”, every doubt or fear will be replaced with a deep abiding trust in God. Paul had faith in God during the storm at sea and the shipwreck. Paul’s faith began to influence the others aboard the ship and this resulted in good judgment, confidence, and composure as they reached land to safety.

We face storms in our journey through life. There are difficulties we face daily … a family member is sick, a rough day at work, trying to balance work, home, and school. When we face these difficult days and turn them over to God, that’s when His great power begins.

Faith gained today will pull us through for the rest of today. Then this gained faith of yesterday will push us through tomorrow and help us step ahead into the future. To start gaining faith today, here is an inspiring song: Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong United.


Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Faith in His Guidance

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Mark Shields

On Paul’s journey to Rome as recorded in Acts 27:1-44, Luke is back with Paul after being separated for a while. Other people with Paul for this journey included Aristarchus who had been with him ever since the riot in Ephesus and Julius, a Roman centurion guarding him who gave Paul more freedom than most prisoners.

The pilot of the ship disregarded the advice Paul had given about remaining at the harbor of Fair Havens for the winter. Instead, they continued for Italy during a dangerous time of the year to sail across the open waters from Crete to Italy. Sure enough, a storm began to blow and the ship was caught up in the storm (v. 15).

After going for days without food and giving up hope, Paul explained to the crew of the ship that they should have listened to his advice. Then he went on to assure them that no one would be lost. He told them that an angel of God stood beside him in a dream and to not be afraid. The angel explained that God would graciously protect everyone on the ship.

The events of this passage reveal that it is God who is in control of every situation. Our faith in God to help get us through in times of stress and difficulty influences others. When we are composed and confident even in difficult times, others react in the same way. The end result is being led in the right direction so that proper actions are taken to get through the storms faced in life.

This day with You Lord, we have faith in Your guidance. There are some we can take advice from in this world but we must still be on guard and seek advice from You. For You know the past, present, and future and are in control of every situation we face. We are grateful for your guidance and it is in Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Image Source

Posted in Bible Study, Faith | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment