Victory Assured

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Mark Shields

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. – 1 John 5:4

The world constantly tries to keep us in a state of turmoil and unrest. To step ahead, take in God’s Word to fortify. Remain optimistic because God is big enough to provide the poise we need to think through each situation. As explained in the post “Step Ahead with Poise”, God is working behind the scenes to set things up for our benefit because we are highly favored by our Creator.

The world has a way of making us feel like we are lacking. I’m not skilled at that or I’m too slow. I just don’t catch on to that new concept like others do. If thoughts like this come to mind, remember that with God there is no need to get stressed out. He’s big enough to make up the difference and provide that extra push to finish in victory.

In the scripture at the beginning of this post, we are told of God’s plan for us. This is a plan for victory that is carried out by going to Him in prayer, accepting Christ as Savior, and being washed of sin. Our new birth is the victory assured and is also highlighted in this video: The River – Jordan Feliz. 


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Step Ahead with Poise

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Mark Shields

Reading in Acts 23:12-35, a plot by forty men to kill Paul was being set up but God rescues Paul from this guerrilla attempt by destroying the scheme. The son of Paul’s sister was put in a position to overhear the planning of the plot which gave Paul a warning. Behind the scenes, God protects His people. Remember in our reading before today’s passage that God appeared near Paul in prison and told him “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome (v. 11).”

Once Paul was told by God to take courage, it seems as though there was a peace within Paul because he knew that God was with him and would continue to be with him in his time of need. This gave him the poise needed to accurately think through his situation.

After thinking through the situation, Paul told one of the centurions to take his nephew to the commander in order to explain the plot. Paul knew that the chief commander would then get him safely out of danger. Sure enough, the chief commander provided soldiers and horsemen to take Paul to Governor Felix who ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace (v. 35).

Even in turmoil and unrest, Paul could remain confident because God was on his side. Things fell into place and happened for his benefit. It is the same for us today. God is at work in this world to make sure things are set up for His people. We can have confidence amidst turmoil and unrest because the God of the Universe is much bigger than any plot the evil one has against us.

This day with You God, even when some may be against us, we know that you are bigger than any scheme to destroy us. We have poise because of Your protection even in turmoil or during unrest. We are composed and ready to think through the plots of the evil one. Behind the scenes, You are setting things up for our benefit and we are thankful. In Jesus name. Amen.

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Take Courage for He is For Us

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Mark Shields

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31

In the post “Take Courage” written about was one of the difficult experiences Paul had to go through as he testified about God’s Way. While he was in prison, God stood near Paul and told him to take courage. At that point, it seems as though there was a peace within Paul because he knew that God was with him and would continue to be with him in his time of need.

It is the same for us today. We can have an attitude of confidence and peace of mind because we can trust that God will also be with us in our time of need. Take courage my friends and inspiration from today’s video: I Am Not Alone – Kari Jobe. 


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Take Courage

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Mark Shields

In Acts 23:1-11 we get the account of Paul being questioned before the Sanhedrin. The high priest named Ananias ordered that Paul be struck on the mouth and Paul came back with an insult towards the high priest.

It was at this point that Paul came up with a strategy to highlight their issues with each other rather than the issues they had with him. The Sanhedrin consisted of both Sadducees and Pharisees. The Sadducees did not believe in resurrection, angels, or spirits. The Pharisees believed in all of these.

So an argument broke out between the teachers of the law and it became so violent that Paul was taken back into the prison. The next night, the Lord came to Paul and told him to take courage. He told Paul to keep up the good work and that He would continue to be with Paul as he testified in Rome.

Reading today’s passage, there are some attributes about Paul that we can admire. He had the courage to stand up for God as he gave his testimony. There are times when we need to do the same and stop trying to give in to those who want us to follow their misguided ways.

Many times, being the nice guy can get us in trouble. If there is a problem and some want to guide us in the wrong direction, we need to make a stand and set the record straight. It’s important to show respect like Paul did but it’s also important to speak up and step ahead in the Way that God has laid out in the Bible.

Lord, in Your Word today, we read about Paul and the encouragement you gave him. This day, we may face some trials … maybe not as bad as what Paul went through but in whatever we go through, this day can be amazing because we can feel protected and cradled as your cherished child. We are encouraged today because we are confident that You are with us to help take on each and every challenge we face. In Jesus name. Amen.

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The Week Ahead – Acts 23

Posted on August 21, 2016 by Mark Shields

This week, we will be sharing some thoughts from the study of Acts 23.

Below are some questions for reflection 

Acts 23:1-11
How do the Pharisees and Sadducees differ theologically? What special encouragement does God give Paul at this time? In what times of need have you been encouraged by God?

Acts 23:12-35
How does God rescue Paul from the guerrilla attempt to kill him? What does this incident reveal about God’s work in the world? What is the basis of your confidence amidst turmoil and unrest?

Paul faced many enemies and in current times, we face enemies too. Here is a video to inspire the courage to take on these enemies: Voice of Truth – Casting Crowns.

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