Step Ahead with Optimism and Courage

Posted on January 1, 2025 by Mark Shields

Last year is gone and a New Year is here. We have a clean slate and here is a poem to inspire stepping ahead with optimism and courage to fill your year with God’s splendor.

I’ll follow the Way
And keep the faith
As I follow Jesus 
And escape the scathe.

If trouble comes my way,
I’ll maintain hope
And pray to God
To stay in scope.

I’ll keep going even
If I consider
It’s all over
Because God is bigger.

For the God of possible
Will take away my fear
And problems will begin
To disappear.

The grace of God
That comes at great length
Will power me ahead
With tremendous strength.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 01-01-2025
Posted in New Year, Poems | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Stepping Ahead To A Happy New Year

Posted on December 31, 2024 by Mark Shields 
We rise early
As the day begins
Setting priorities
And seeking wins.

Thoughts are clear,
Concerns are sorted out,
Advice is given,
And there is no doubt.

Planning next steps
And connecting the dots 
Knowing the mission
By gathering thoughts.

Meeting challenges
With a great defense
For the Lord is with us
Giving confidence. 

Insight received
With reliance
As we step ahead
Against the giants.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-31-2024

Christ rose early before the day began to ask for guidance, sort out priorities, and plan the day to take on the challenges. This is something we should do so that our thoughts are clear, and we start each day this year stepping ahead to overcome the challenges or giants we face.

Hope this poem has inspired you as we set up priorities and plan. Have a happy New Year!

Posted in Faith, Poems | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

From Desolation to Restoration

Posted on December 30, 2024 by Mark Shields

God helps us overcome difficulty by providing us with a model to follow in Jesus who helps us to understand what God wants from us and how our faith should affect our lives. Take inspiration from this poem to help apply your faith in the New Year.

Difficult days faced
Going from desolation
But things fall in place
To restoration

Because of the Savior
I learn His ways
To change behavior
To give Him praise

As I pray for help
He will carry me
To a place of joy
That sets me free

In a sun-scorched land
Needs will be satisfied 
As with reservoirs 
Of water far and wide

Like memories
Of glorious scenery
The power of grace
Will fuel my energy  


Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-30-2024
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – Desolation to Restoration“

Posted in Overcome Difficulty, Poems | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Diving Into the Deep Waters and Obeying Orders

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Mark Shields

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

In the study of Isaiah 36, we noted that the king of Assyria offered the people prosperity if they surrendered (vv. 16-17). A thought from the post “A Jump of Faith“ is that the enemy’s promises are deceptive.

Fortunately, God’s promises are reliable and are certain. We can build our faith on the rock of His Word. Our faith doesn’t come out of nowhere but comes from work and dedication. Let us today do as the song Dive by Steven Curtis Chapman suggest. Let us dive into the deep waters and obey God’s orders.

Index of devotionals

Thanks for reading. Please like, follow, and pass on to others … Dive into the deep waters!

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

Posted in Devotionals, Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Holiday Spirit

Posted on December 26, 2024 by Mark Shields 
Enjoying this moment
Fulfilling a role
To transform hearts
With food for the soul.

Stepping ahead 
To do what needs to be done
Today and every day,  
As more souls are won.

The Christmas Spirit
Increases the pace
And writing for His glory
Brings a smile to His face.

As the Counselor
Gives each assignment
And the Word of God
Keeps in alignment.

Stepping ahead 
Into a wonderful mystery 
Of the New Year
And then Easter victory.

Poem By Mark Shields – © 12-26-2024
Photo Source - "Bing." Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
Posted in Christmas, Easter, Holiday, New Year, Poems | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment