Glorious Unfolding of Faith

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Mark Shields

The blind beggar written about in the post Bold in Faith believed that Jesus could heal his blindness so he immediately set out to make his life better by asking Jesus for help.

The story of each of our lives has a great future. Like this video, we have just started because God has promised great things for each of us: Glorious Unfolding by Steven Curtis Chapman.


So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. – Colossians 2:6-7 

 

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Bold In Faith

Posted on September 7, 2015 by Mark Shields

Jesus gives the disciples additional facts about His future as explained in Luke 18:31-43. He would be handed over to Gentiles who would mock, insult, spit, flog, and kill Him. On the third day, He would be raised to life. The disciples had seen all the miracles and this did not seem possible because they knew Jesus had the power to overcome anything.

Along the way to Jericho, Jesus and His disciples passed by a blind beggar who shouted out to Jesus, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and told them to bring the man over to Him. Jesus then ask the obvious question in verse 41, “What do you want me to do for you?” This question was asked so that the blind beggar could express his belief that Jesus was the Messiah and that He could heal his blindness.

This day with God, believe that every doubt or fear will be overcome and replaced by a deep abiding trust in Him with a bold faith like the blind beggar. Plan out time for prayer, ask for His guidance, and share experiences that have given praise to God.

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Blessings

Posted on September 4, 2015 by Mark Shields

A lack of integrity within a family, community, or nation can lead to disastrous consequences. Doing a study of Genesis 27 a while back, it was noted that Rebekah and Jacob gave us examples of a lack of integrity. Rebekah convinced her favorite son to trick his father and receive his blessing instead of Esau. This lack of integrity existed during that time in history and it exist in current times. This poem was written to inspire a new direction in order to receive God’s blessings.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Receive His blessing families;
His blessing all communities.
To fix this broken place,
All we need is grace.

Receive His blessing all nations;
His blessings for peaceful relations.
To follow the path
And be spared the wrath.

History is a great teacher;
Just ask any preacher.
We must learn from history
Or it could become blistery.

To make the needed adjustments,
Take in His Word as sustenance.
God has provided the way;
All we do is obey.

Apply Godly moralities
And not worldly fallacies.
Search inside to clear out
So there is no doubt.

Follow the proper way
Each and every day.
To live, give, and love
Using the power from above.

Poem By Mark Shields – © 09-03-2015
Inspired by Study of Genesis 27
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Greater Is The One Living Inside

Posted on September 3, 2015 by Mark Shields

Jesus explains to the rich ruler that worldly wealth can be a hindrance to spiritual growth. As written about in the post Eternal Treasure Jesus explains to him that building treasure in heaven should be our ultimate purpose in life.

God sees the big picture and if we put our attention on Him and what He can do, then we will receive this greater perspective. Today’s video Greater by MercyMe is about this the Spirit of God living in our heart to help make the impossible possible and build eternal treasures in heaven. 


Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” – Luke 18:27 

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Eternal Treasure

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Mark Shields

The clear point made in Luke 18:18-30 is that we can do all the right things and be the best person in the world but still not be good enough unless we follow Jesus. The rich ruler in this passage was sad because it would be hard to give up what he had on earth to follow Jesus. The same concept is true today. Those who have it all right now have a tougher time giving it all up to follow Jesus.

One must give it all up and follow Jesus to be saved and receive the true treasure of life eternal. Many things can stand between us and in accepting the Lord; pride, position, family, friends, and the love of money are just a few.

The Jewish concept during the time of this passage was that God’s favor led to earthly riches and poverty was God’s punishment. They didn’t understand how it could be possible to be saved but Jesus told them that God makes the impossible possible! He sees the big picture and if we put our attention on Him and what He can do, then we will build eternal treasures in heaven.

Having a changed heart by living a life that matters for God’s purpose takes work and sacrifice but little by little it can be done. Just know that one day at a time that what seemed impossible can become possible. The Spirit of God can bring us to a new level if we open the door and go through.

If we are worried so much about what we need to do and not aware of what God can do, our true potential will not be realized. Worry takes away our freedom but confidence in God gives a lift as if on eagle’s wings.

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