Ripple Effect

Posted on November 21, 2015 by Mark Shields

The actions of today can have long-term, far-reaching implications in your living for the future. A disciplined life with attitudes or actions that honor and praise God leads to a bright future. These are some of the thoughts that inspired this poem. Have a great weekend my friends!

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

The actions of our now
Will help to allow
A chance to make an impact
And keep us on track.

Those that realize the need
To correct any misdeeds
Proceed with activities
With great possibilities.

Bitterness and Jealousy
Can wreck a great destiny
Destroy a family
And make all unhappy.

Living each day
The disciplined way
Honors God with praise
Leading to bright future days.

Poem By Mark Shields – © 11-19-2015
Inspired by Study of Genesis 36
Image Source

View original post

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

Grace and Truth of Christ Gets Us in Sync

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Mark Shields

We live in a very complicated world that can throw anyone into doubt but the grace and truth of Christ gets us in sync so we are in the right place at the right time. Right now, we are able to be with God because of His grace in sending Christ.

There is a benefit for those that discover the lessons of the Word, those that look forward to the rewarding promise of the future, and those that passionately follow the will of God. Here is today’s inspiring video to start our day with reinforced determination to take on the challenges: He Knows – Jeremy Camp.


If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5 

Index of devotionals

Posted in Bible Study, Common Sense, Devotionals, Music, Video | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Taking on the Challenges of Each Day

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Mark Shields

Written in Psalm 2 are thoughts about the actions of evil nations that band together against the Lord but their destiny is destruction for His wrath can flare up in a moment (v. 12). King David is the author of this Psalm and his advice to the kings about taking on the challenges of each day is to know the will of God and focus attention on being a part of that will.

We try to do it ourselves many times. There are times when pride has kept me from going in the right direction. Putting some thought into this, what is it that I could’ve done so that I was going in the right direction sooner? One thing for sure would be to stop for a few minutes, pray about it, and then start again with a reinforced determination to take on the challenges of the day.

We live in a very complicated world that can throw anyone into doubt but the grace and truth of Christ gets us in sync so we are in the right place at the right time. Right now, we are able to be with God because of His grace found in accepting the gift of His Son.

This day with you God, we know that our growing faith will never be taken away or depleted. Your plan for our life has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it. On the other hand, it is so powerful that it sets us free and never lets us down. For this, we are so thankful. Amen!

Image Source

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

Heart of a Champion

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Mark Shields

If we live by God’s Word, we are like a tree firmly planted by a stream that has plenty of water. We are always refreshed and daily produce fruit in season. In the post Delight and Meditate on the Word of God, the lesson is about daily studying and meditating on the Word of God to produce spiritual fruit that nourishes others.

The principles of the Word in our thoughts is like planting the seeds of faith, hope, and love in our hearts. We will then nourish our own Spirit but also yield fruit that nourishes others.

God will give us the upper hand by producing in us the heart of a champion. Here’s a video to inspire and apply our faith so we have the heart of a champion that nourishes not only ourselves but others: Give You Glory – Jeremy Camp.


See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. – Colossians 2:8 

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Music, Video | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Delight and Meditate on the Word of God

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Mark Shields

In Psalm 1, we are told that those who delight and meditate on the Word of God receive the spiritual nourishment needed to grow and prosper. Similar to a tree planted near streams of water, those who are near to God’s Word will yield fruit.

The fruit in our life may consist of the positive qualities like faith, hope, and love. Hope gives optimism in a time of despair, Faith gives courage in a time of doubt, and the love of God through Christ has turned what was thought to be a time of defeat into a victory.

The chaff in our life leads to sadness and may consist of following what the world says to follow. Listening to the traditions of mankind rather than the ways of God is an obstacle to growing in faith. These characteristics lead to disappointment and ruin in life.

Father, this day with You, give us the discipline to study and meditate on Your Word so that we produce fruit that nourishes others. Help us to keep the principles of Your Word in our thoughts. May we plant seeds of faith, hope, and love instead of despair, doubt, and hate. Give us the upper hand Father God by producing in us the heart of a champion.

Image Source

Posted in Bible Study | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments