Released

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Mark Shields

Jesus, the “Hometown Boy” returns to Nazareth and as stated in Luke 4:16-30, goes into the synagogue on the Sabbath day which had become a habit of His. Jesus had gained popularity away from home because of the miracles He had performed and the people from His hometown were anxious to see and hear Him deliver a message. The scripture Jesus chose to read was Isaiah 61:1-2.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn.

Then Jesus boldly tells them the scripture was written about Him. At this point in time, Jesus declares His purpose for being on earth. His ministry was released and He makes His declaration.

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In what ways have you been released? Been given 20-20 spiritual vision? Found liberty? One Sunday, after rising from communion, I made a declaration to volunteer for the media ministry team at the church I attend. I remember looking up at the media equipment in the balcony and deciding to take action on being a part of this ministry.

Satin has a tactic of trying to destroy the message with the use of people who reject the messenger. These people are willing to fight extremely hard to kick God out of society; keeping Him out of public places like schools and courthouses. They try to twist the meaning of “Separation of Church and State” and so much of our media communication cooperates with this activity of keeping God out of our lives.

If tempted to hold back this day with God, pray to be set free. Lord, we are reminded that love flows best when it flows freely. We pray today for our focus on doing what is before us and not at a distance. We pray that you give us a vision and for the initiative to lift the cross high by giving our testimony and praise. We pray that the momentum created by Your liberty inspires us to boldly take action.

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Use the Word as a Weapon

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Mark Shields

In yesterday’s post “Tested by Satin”, Jesus passed the test by recalling the written Word of God as a reply to the temptations of the devil. He remained true to God’s plan and actually used the crisis to make His faith even stronger.

Ultimate rule of our life belongs to God and it is of great value that we know that Jesus has been tempted in every way we are. This day with God my friend, use the Word of God as your weapon to fight off temptation.

Take encouragement from this video to stay in the fight, remain hopeful, and know that you are not alone: Overcomer – Mandisa.



The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. – Isaiah 58:11

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Tested by Satan

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Mark Shields

Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit after His baptism and in Luke 4:1-15, we read about the temptations faced while in the desert. For forty days He is tempted by the devil. Jesus had nothing to eat during these days resulting in hunger (v. 2). Think how worn out He was; very little sleep with hot days and cool nights without shelter. The devil knew Jesus was hungry so he tempted Him to turn a stone into bread (v. 3).

Jesus used the Word of God as a weapon against the temptations. When tempted by the devil to turn the stone into bread, He responded that man does not live on bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord (This from Deuteronomy 8:3).

When given the offer to control all the kingdoms of the world by worshiping Satan, Jesus responded with the words written in Deuteronomy 6:13 which concern devotion to the Lord our God only.

When tempted to show off His power by being able to save himself from jumping off the highest point of the Temple, Jesus used the words of Deuteronomy 6:16, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test”. After failure at this final temptation, the devil departs (v. 12-13).

Ultimate rule of our life belongs to God and it is of great value that we know that Jesus has been tempted in every way we are. It is during difficult times, that we are most susceptible to Satan’s attacks. As Jesus demonstrates to us, the weapon against these attacks is the Word of God. It’s so important to work at memorizing Bible verses.

This day with God will be amazing because when faced with a need or challenge, we can recall inspiration, wisdom, and direction from His Word. This will help us focus on Him and through prayer ask for and receive the resources needed to overcome.

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The Power of Prayer

Posted on October 7, 2014 by Mark Shields

One of the main thoughts in yesterday’s post was the power of prayer. When Jesus was baptized and during a prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. Notice His ministry began after great preparation, prayer, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit.

Remember that Jesus faced many challenges during His ministry on earth but He fulfilled the mission God gave Him. During the challenges we face each day, let this inspire us to overcome our difficulty. Consider difficulties or challenges in life as opportunities to follow God’s will. I hope you are inspired by today’s video: Blessings – Laura Story.



 

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. – Romans 8:26-27

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Well Prepared

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Mark Shields

In Luke 3:21-38, we read that Jesus was about 30 years old when He began His public ministry. We read earlier in Luke 3:3 that John the Baptist was going into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John but John tried to deter Him because He knew Jesus was without sin. Jesus told John it was proper in order to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:13-15).

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Jesus identifies with us one on one as a person even though He was without sin so He is fully human yet divine. There are two ways that Jesus’ divine identity is shown to us in verse 22. First as He was being baptized, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. Second, we read that a voice came from heaven saying: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

In this passage today, we have a clear record of the genealogy of Jesus so we can see that our Savior came from the line of David which fulfills prophecy from the Old Testament. Even though Jesus was only 30 years old, He was well prepared for His ministry. John had also prepared the way for the people during that time to accept Jesus as Savior.

The Word and Spirit regenerate us today. We have the opportunity to fall back on generations of brothers and sisters in the faith to prepare each of us for our given “ministry”. Notice that the ministry of Jesus began after great preparation, prayer, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit.

This day with God will be amazing because we can go to Him in prayer. Prayer is our greatest power because we are talking to the ONE who has the answer. Ask for direction today and choose to live this day with Him; always taking the opportunity to share the Good News.

 

 

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