Long Term Security

Posted on December 3, 2024 by Mark Shields 
“Like birds hovering overhead,
   The Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem;
He will shield it and deliver it,
   He will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.” - Isaiah 31:5

The scripture above was noted when reading Isaiah 31 which is a prophecy of how Jerusalem would be involved in the folly of trusting Egypt rather than God. They would run to Egypt for military help to protect from their enemies.

Sometimes we run the wrong way. We run from our past, our fears, our difficulties, and failures. Some turn to alcohol or drugs to escape reality. Some find security in the pursuit of gaining power, in controlling people, or in becoming rich and famous.

Sometimes we run in the wrong way when we face fears, difficulties, and failures. As explained in “The Right Way”, there may be a need to turn around. To run towards God where there is true wisdom and a brighter future. Take inspiration today from the song Savior’s Shadow by Blake Shelton.

Unlike money and power which gives short term security, God has far greater resources. He’s everywhere, He’s limitless, and not restricted by time or space. He knows about the future, can put us in a position to succeed, and provides long term security.

Index of devotionals

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The Right Way

Posted on December 2, 2024 by Mark Shields

God can use us to do amazing things! We have potential to win great battles in life if we follow God’s plan for us, keep going when things get difficult, listen for guidance in our application of the plan, and follow directions to solve the solution with God’s strength.

Today, we are reading Isaiah 31 which is a prophecy of how Jerusalem would be involved in the folly of trusting Egypt rather than God. They would run to Egypt for military help to protect from their enemies.

A prediction is made that the invading Assyrian army would not fall by sword but would flee from the sword. Isaiah calls on the people to repent, turn to God, and put their hope for the future in His hands

Sometimes we run the wrong way. We run from our past, our fears, our difficulties, and failures. Some turn to alcohol or drugs to escape reality. Others may find security in the pursuit of gaining power, in controlling people, or in becoming rich and famous.

By turning around and running to God, there is true wisdom to take the right direction to a brighter future. Unlike money and power which gives short term security, God has far greater resources. God is everywhere, He’s limitless, and not restricted by time or space. He knows about the future, can put us in a position to succeed, and provides exactly what we need for long term excellence.

This day with You God, help us to make wise choices. As we step ahead along the journey, there is a right way and a wrong way. Help us today to choose the right way. Things that we thought were difficult can be made simple by following Your plan of accepting Jesus and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit rather than our own wisdom. We pray these things today in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Thought From Devotional 11-29-2024

Posted on November 29, 2024 by Mark Shields

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

Posted on November 28, 2024 by Mark Shields 
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

Posted on November 27, 2024 by Mark Shields

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. – Psalm 100:4

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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