Too Blessed To Be Stressed

The main thought of this poem is that what God really wants from us is that our strongest desire is to listen and follow His direction. Then we will be provided with what we need and He will then bless us beyond our wildest dreams. Have a wonderful weekend my friends!

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

God blesses and
Takes away our stresses.
It is a plan for life
To overcome strife.

The more we surrender
And praise His splendor,
He will render
Dreams to engender.

Never ever doubt
But follow the map
It’s found in His Word
Where wisdom is conferred.

Wisdom is a treat
Like honey that is sweet.
Under His control,
We have a blessed soul.

With permission
To fill a mission,
Join His amazing team
And fulfill some dreams.

Things may get difficult
But passing the test will result
By following His directions
And making good connections.

So love God with your all;
Follow the call
And He will bless
With much success.

Poem By Mark Shields – © 07-16-2015
Inspired by Study of Genesis 22
Image Source

View original post

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

Bold and Persuasive Witness

There were warnings but also encouragement as I wrote in the post Of Most Importance is Jesus in Our Heart.  We should be inspired to be a bold and persuasive witness through the Holy Spirit. Because of the Holy Spirit, we receive counsel at all times to help us and here is a video poem to inspire our day with this thought in mind: Blessings Throughout Each Hour.


Enable me to speak Your word with great boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Jesus. – Acts 4:29-30 

Index of devotionals

Posted in Applied Faith, Devotionals, Faith, Poems, Video | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Of Most Importance is Jesus in Our Heart

A crowd of many thousand people gathered around Jesus in Luke 12:1-12. He warns His disciples against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees who try to impress others but are not living the life they talk about.

Jesus mentions fear five times in these verses as the main cause of hypocrisy. The fear of what others think of us, say about us, or do to us. He explains that hypocrisy is futile because eventually the truth will come out. Jesus explains that God knows everything; even the number of hairs on our head.

Jesus encourages the disciples by telling them how valuable each one of them is and not to worry about defending themselves or what to say because the Holy Spirit will provide what is needed.

This day with God, know that prayer is our greatest power because we receive direction and guidance that we can put in practice. Keep in mind that we can have courage to step ahead because God is with us. We can confess our sin and accept Christ; relying on the Holy Spirit to inspire a bold and persuasive witness. Being assured of a secure future with protection and a guaranteed eternal destiny.

Image Source

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

Questions for Reflection for Study of Luke 12-13

In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus answered the question “who is my neighbor”? This question came from an expert in the law and Jesus answers with The Parable of the Good Samaritan. In Luke 10:27, we were given the law’s requirements for eternal life. To love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, love your neighbor as yourself (v. 27). 

How can you be a good neighbor today? Who can you invite to church? Provide information that may prevent crime. Who can you car pool with, bring in their trash when they are out of town, or help when they are in need? This day with God will be amazing because what we make happen for others will be given back to us. When we give a smile, a smile will be given back. When we act kind, we receive kindness from others.

In Luke 11, Jesus provides a model prayer. Let us follow the example of Jesus. He rose early in the morning and spent His time with God before He spent His time on the “busyness” of His world. Let us read a short block of scripture each day, pray for guidance in how to apply the lesson learned to our daily life, and document these lessons so we continue to build on them throughout life.

Also in Luke 11, Jesus explains the need for leaders to remove obstacles instead of creating difficulties. The Pharisees and Lawyers created burdens that made the path to God very difficult. What Jesus has done for us is make the path to God less burdensome rather than loaded down with the burdens of social ceremonies.

This day with God, let us collect the precious insight gained in God’s Word. When we see something amazing, let’s enthusiastically point it out so it is highlighted and captures everyone’s interest. Let’s shine the light so others can plainly see and recognize that it is God at work.

Bible study and prayer should be a top priority in our life. That’s why I’ll be continuing the study in the book of Luke and sharing a few thoughts. Each of the studies are designed to help apply our faith in the work place, at school, or at home. You can keep up with my spiritual journey by clicking http://wp.me/1ar6D.

As the journey through God’s Word continues, below are questions for reflection for the study of Luke 11-12 which will help focus some thoughts to share in posts over the next few weeks.

Luke 12:1-12
In what ways is hypocrisy futile? What encouragement and warning does Jesus give His disciples? How do Jesus’ words affect the content of your message to students, neighbors, associates, others? There is an awful outcome for those that refuse the witness of the Holy Spirit. How can this knowledge incite you to a bold, persuasive witness?

Luke 12:13-34
How does the man misunderstand Jesus’ purpose? Why is worrying utterly worthless? In what practical ways do you see God’s concern for and value of you?

Luke 12:35-59
How does the attitude toward the Lord’s return reveal where a man’s treasure is (see v. 34)? What would you do differently if you knew the Lord would be returning within 30 days? How are you using the abilities and opportunities God is giving you?

Luke 13:1-21
What is the basic question raised in verses 1-5? Who raises it? Why? What is the effect of freedom on the woman? What fact about the kingdom of God is Jesus illustrating with the metaphors of the mustard seed and leaven? What are your responsibilities in relation to the kingdom of God?

Luke 13:22-35
What is Jesus determined to do? What do the workers of iniquity misunderstand about entering the door? What are the consequences? On what basis will you be admitted? What qualities of Jesus are revealed by His attitude here? Do you know your purpose in life and how do you express this purpose?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ. 

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God. 

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
Image Source

 

Posted in Bible Study, Luke, Questions for Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Acts of Kindness

In the post Act Kind and Receive Kindness in Return, Jesus explains the need for leaders to remove obstacles instead of creating difficulties. The Pharisees and Layers created burdens that made the path to God very difficult.

What Jesus has done for us is make the path to God less burdensome rather than loaded down with the burdens of social ceremonies. In the same way, we should not set up any social barriers.

This day with God, receive inspiration from this video and look for opportunities to offer acts of kindness to others: Kindness Returns!


Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32 

Index of devotionals

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