Former Things and New Things

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Mark Shields

See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you. – Isaiah 42:9

God wants to make each day amazing and our tomorrows more amazing than today. In His timing, things are made right. He is for us so we can be at peace and focus on a brighter future. Because of His love for us, we are inspired to share about this love with others.

The good memories we have can give us a lift and the nicer weather can give us a lift but the ultimate lift is knowing that the future is bright because of the reward God has for all who believe in His Son. No matter what is going on in life, we can count on the turning of the season from winter to spring. We can also count on greater tomorrows because of our acceptance of Christ in our heart.

We get hit with so many negative thoughts on a daily basis. One idea to overcome is to begin our day with uplifting positive music to inoculate the negative thoughts. Take a few minutes to listen to this uplifting song to get your mind in the right frame of mind as you begin your day: Forgiven – Sanctus Real.



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Focusing on the Bright Future

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Mark Shields

In the first part of Hosea 1-13, we are told the future would be made difficult because the people would be looking for their happiness, needs, and desires from the world rather than from God. Now as listed in Hosea 2:14-23, we are told that God will restore Israel with a more bountiful harvest, with safety, and Israel would be a more righteous and just.

The objective is to turn the people more towards God’s way.  Similar to a relationship in which two work together as one to make the amazing happen, the Creator of more stars than we can count wants to bless us with more joys than the number of stars. He wants to make each day amazing and our tomorrows more amazing than today.

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Lord, in your timing, all things will be made right. We know that You are for each of us and since we have accepted Your Son Jesus Christ into our heart, the future is bright. We can be at peace and focus on the good that will happen because of our trust in You. Amen.

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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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