Days Under the Sun

This weekend, take some time to dream about your potential for greatness. Know God’s plan for your life and carry it out on a daily basis. Pray for direction each day as you daily work to fine tune and improve. Then every challenge will become possible.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Write your life story
which is amazingly fun
and extremely adventurous
of your days under the sun.

Millions of people
will read this wonderful book
of your remarkable life journey
and the steps you took.

The reward you will receive
is beyond comprehension;
maybe not riches or fame
but certainly grabs their attention.

For you will become wealthy
because you collect a treasure
that makes you rich spiritually
with inspirations from our Creator.

In His perfect timing,
things will be made right.
for He is with you;
showing you the light.

So be at peace
and focus on the good
as you trust in the future
and do all you should.

Receive this encouragement
as comfort in all the strife.
Reinvigorated by the Spirit
Providing power for life.

Tomorrow will always
be better than today
as you recall the blessings
and follow the Way.

Poem by Mark Shields – ©…

View original post 3 more words

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

Write a Wonderful Story

As explained in the post “Priceless Principles in the Scriptures”, Paul and the early church faced persecution for sharing about Christ but they wrote a wonderful story that today we get an opportunity to read and provide us with insight in how life should be lived.

So the lesson is to stay interested and be eager to examine for yourself the priceless principles found in the scriptures. Keep going after what you believe in and people will be able to read your life story many years into the future. Many times in life, we find that it is in the tough experiences that we go through that provide the greatest growth. 

This day with God, keep writing your story so that you can share with others. Put this story to work for the glory of God. What is important is to never give up but keep going after what you believe in. Even under situations when things don’t seem to be working out, keep after it because you may find one simple thing to try and bam! It works.

Enjoy today’s inspirational video: Write Your Story – Francesca Battistelli

 


May He grant your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! – Psalm 20:4 

Index of devotionals

 

Posted in Devotionals | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Priceless Principles in the Scriptures

Paul’s method of teaching as explained in Acts 17:1-15, was to reason with his listeners from the scriptures. He would go to the synagogue of the major city of each area, share about Christ, and build up a mission-minded church that would evangelize the city and surrounding rural areas.

Many were persuaded to believe in Christ but the Jewish religious leaders were jealous of Paul and the followers of Christ. This provoked riots as the religious leaders even accused some of the believers of defying Caesar’s decrees and turning the world upside down (v. 5). Since there was trouble for the believers, Paul and Silas left Thessalonica and set out to Berea (v. 10).

Nonetheless, a group of good leaders were established at Thessalonica so a strong church grew. Sometimes, all we have to do is share about Christ and there will be those who have a desire to believe. Yes, we may face some conflict from those who choose not to believe but those that do will stimulate interest so many will examine the priceless principles found in the scriptures.

Father God, what you give to us is a plan for life and a treasure. The more we study Your plan, the more passion we have for telling others about the priceless principles found in the scriptures.

Image Source

 

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

Not Going Under But Being an Overcomer

Written about in the post “Advancing the Gospel Even in Troubles” is how Paul and Silas faced difficulty in doing the will of God. They were beaten publicly and put in prison. But as described in the post, God can advance the gospel even in our troubles.

This day with God, be an over comer even when things happen that should not or when  those you thought you could trust do something that makes you not trust them anymore. Be able to forgive, step ahead, and be grateful for what you do have. Here’s today’s inspirational video as we build momentum this day: Overcomer – Mandisa. 


And call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. – Psalm 50:15  

Index of devotionals

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

Advancing the Gospel Even in Troubles

Paul and his companions traveled to Philippi which was a Roman colony and leading city of the district of Macedonia. Reading in Acts 16:11-24, the Jewish population of Philippi must have been limited with only a handful of Jewish women who met for prayer down by the river bank. One woman named Lydia responded to Paul’s message by inviting the missionaries over to her home.

A slave girl who was a fortune teller began to follow Paul around causing damage to the ministry because Paul’s message was identified with her false message. Paul was annoyed and in Christ name commanded that the demonic spirit leave the woman. It left at once and the slave girl’s owners were furious because the fortune telling slave girl could no longer produce a lot of money for them.

Paul and Silas were then seized and dragged into the marketplace to face the authorities (v. 19). They were beaten with rods, severely flogged, and thrown into prison. While in prison one night, they were singing and praising God and God responded with an Earthquake that opened the doors to the prison to free them (v. 25-26).

Doing the will of God does not exclude trouble. Paul and Silas responded to their discouraging circumstances with prayer and praise. These are powerful weapons God can use as we advance the gospel even in troubling times. This day with You Lord, we also would like to develop an attitude that responds to our challenges with prayer and praise.

Father God, we have a fresh start with a new perspective today. Some of us are facing challenges this day but we have confidence that You will bless us. Hope will ease our current pain for future joy that will dissolve our sorrow. Your Love for us through Christ will wash away any disappointments from the past. Because of You, great challenges will become routine because with You, all things are possible. In Christ name we pray. Amen.

Image Source

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