Thought From Devotional 11-29-2024

Reading John 13:1-11, it was right before the Passover Festival and Jesus knew the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father, but there was composure demonstrated by Jesus as he calmly continued to carry out His purpose. A thought from the passage is that we can have composure too. We don’t need to know it all or do it all, but just do our simple part to fulfill our God given purpose. God will bring excellence to anything we if we simply find that purpose, accept God’s love, help others, promote His glory, and look forward to an amazing future.

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The Faithful are Thankful

The things from You God,
reward our living.
We give You today,
praise and thanksgiving.

For the sunrise,
and the Fall foliage.
To read, pray,
and grow in knowledge.

Thankful because somedays
we missed the mark
and get a new day
with a brand-new start.

With amazing grace,
we get out of the dark
into the Light
to gain a new spark.

For there is always joy
and we are thankful
for the destiny
you give the faithful.


Poem by Mark Shields – © 11-24-2024
Photo - taken at Carleen Bright Arboretum about two miles from where I live.

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Flourish in Faith

God is with us  
as we experience
His power today
To be victorious.

Hoping for all
To receive the same
As eternal rewards
Are the ultimate aim.

Continuing to plant
Seeds of the Gospel
Through our kindness
And being grateful.

Putting in the work
To be more wise
And applying our faith
To receive the prize.

By Cultivating
The beautiful garden
Containing the Spirit
that grows within.


Poem by Mark Shields – © 11-27-2024
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – 2 Timothy 4
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Healing Rain for the Seeds to Grow

From “Pearls of Wisdom” about thoughts from Isaiah 30:18-33 when Isaiah prophesizes that God will manifest himself in all of His creation. Sending rain for seed to grow into crops. The cattle to graze in broad meadows (v. 23). Streams of water will flow, the moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be brighter. There will be healing for the people inflicted by the bad decisions of the past.

Isaiah tells us there will be a glorious transformation in beleaguered Jerusalem and there can be a glorious transformation in each of our lives. Let us be patient for God will provide what we need. We will find more abundance, comfort, and joy as the past fades and a brighter future is set in motion. Just like in the song “Healing Rain” by Michael W. Smith.

Index of devotionals

Thanks for reading. Please like, follow, and pass on to others … Set in motion a brighter future!

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

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Pearls of Wisdom

Some days are just frustrating, and it takes some adjustment and soothing but like a piece of sand irritating an oyster, our irritations might become our pearls.

Today, we are reading Isaiah 30:18-33 about the prophecy of a restored Jerusalem. The people had turned from the Lord, but grace restores. Out of failures, God brings good by helping us learn from the mistakes of the past. He uses the difficulties we go through to bring pearls of wisdom.

If you’ve noticed recently, the big thing today is AI but AI is man-made. There are situations that the developer of AI can’t predict. God made us with a brain to make instant corrections when needed. He also made other people with brains that we can go to for help. I remember several times when colleagues caught an issue of mine before releasing code to production. They caught it before it was deployed and saved much heart ache trying to correct the issue it would have caused.

That’s what Isaiah is doing. He’s trying to give a warning to the people to save them from their mistakes. To correct course and receive the reward God has for them. Isaiah tells us in today’s passage that God will manifest himself in all His creation. Sending rain for seeds to grow into crops. The cattle to graze in broad meadows (v. 23). Streams of water will flow, the moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be brighter. There will be healing for the people inflicted by the bad decisions of the past.

Isaiah tells us there will be a glorious transformation in beleaguered Jerusalem and there can be a glorious transformation in each of our lives. Let us be patient for God will provide what we need. We will find more abundance, comfort, and joy as the past fades and a brighter future is set in motion

God has a plan, and they are better than our plans. I remember one time when I worked on the tech team at my church. A video would not work but the person on the video was in attendance at the worship service, so the pastor was quick on his feet and had the person come up to give his testimony live instead of on the video. It was very powerful.

Thanks for reading. Please like, follow, and pass on to others … encourage others during times of difficulty.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

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