Steps Directed by the Lord

Posted on August 20, 2024 by Mark Shields

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? – Proverbs 20:24

Society was in bad shape in Israel during the time of Isaiah the prophet but the treasure found and shared in “Clear Path to a Brighter Future” is that searching and learning about God’s Way leads us to where we want to go. If individuals build their life on the path of solid rocks that God says is important, then the first steps are taken to a brighter future.  

So, this day, we seek to be in awe of God, we put Him first, and spend time in prayer. This day, let us devote our lives to do as the song says in Come Let Us Return to the Lord.

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Clear Path to a Brighter Future

Posted on August 19, 2024 by Mark Shields

It’s going to be a great day because God has given us all that we need. We can read His word, pray, and get advice or insight as we step ahead with confidence along the clear path to a brighter future.

In the beginning of Isaiah 2, we note that Isaiah the prophet is seeing the future when God’s righteous kingdom is established. The third temple sits on the temple mount. Nations are drawn to this place where God is present and people obey His Way. There is peace and safety as they walk in the light of the Lord (v. 5).

But pride, greed, and idol worship continues to be committed by Israel so Satan’s method of murder and lies is in control of the nation. If they would turn from their sin, they would escape the earthquake that would destroy the temple mount upon the Holy Mountain in the city of Truth.

Unfortunately, society continues to worship the idols of current times like celebrities, money, sports figures, money, and all the false religions. The situation is urgent today as more in society need to turn to God’s Way which is grace and Truth.

Searching and learning about God’s Way provides the clear path to a brighter future. If individuals follow what God says is important, then the first steps are taken to better people, families, and societies. So this day with God, we seek to be in awe of God, we put Him first, and spend time in prayer.

This day Father God, we are glad to be in Your presence. Your character never changes. Day by day, we learn how to live Your Way. Your word is alive and active to guide us along the path as we read it, apply it, and share it. Help us to step ahead following Jesus who is the Way, the Truth, and the life. Amen. 

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Thought From Devotional 08-16-2024

Posted on August 16, 2024 by Mark Shields

From reading John 8:1-11, no one, including Jesus condemned the woman caught in adultery. Jesus gave guidance, but let the scribes and Pharisees be a part of a big decision.  The Teacher let them take ownership in the decision and let them accept some of the responsibility for it being carried out. All Jesus had to do is encourage the scribes and Pharisees to do the right thing. They went away one by one and did not condemn the woman.

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Way to the Prize

Posted on August 15, 2024 by Mark Shields

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. – 1 Corinthians 9:24

A thought from “Back On Track” is the need to overcome the bad influences of society. To ask the Father to be our steady influence as we run the race to victory. To be dedicated to asking others to receive the Redeemer, and desire to be the Father’s feet and hands to carry out His purpose.

During the time of the prophet named Isaiah, Israel was rebelling against God. To get back on track and win the prize, they needed to overcome the bad influences of society with a desire to go a new way.

Let us be thankful that we do have a new way and celebrate today with the song Way Maker – Leeland. Worship today that Jesus is the Way maker, the miracle worker, promise keeper, and Light in darkness.

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Back On Track

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Mark Shields

Unfortunately, the photo above is for many the attitude of society but imagine multitudes realizing there is much to do and having a desire to do something about it. They start by going to God in prayer and obeying His plan. As a result, cities are crime free, the countryside is thriving with lush grass for livestock, and crops are flourishing as the time of harvest nears. Small towns are bourgeoning into communities filled with young children being shaped into the leaders of tomorrow. 

The matter of having so much to do but “no desire to do it” which is discussed in the first 17 verses is still open with God as we read Isaiah 1:18-31. There was corruption throughout the land, and they couldn’t stay on track. Society did not seem to be interested in a comeback. There continued to be corruption, injustice, and unrighteousness.

In many ways, society back then and today have familiar issues. To be redeemed and get back on track, society’s bad influences must be overcome. Let us instead, ask the Father to be our steady influence as we run the race to victory. Let us be dedicated to asking others to receive the Redeemer, and desire to be the Father’s feet and hands to carry out His purpose.

Then, other nations will look at our nation and know we are “One Nation Under God”. They will be ready to listen and follow God’s direction too so His plan would spread into their own nation and throughout the world.

When we desire to follow God’s plan, we will pray like Jesus did. This will give us the instructions needed for the tasks that need to be accomplished, the ability to keep going towards that purpose, determination to overcome the difficulties, and the encouragement we need to accomplish the victory.

Father God, sometimes we get off track, but we can get back on track by following Your Way. Help us to take on the tough issues and the challenges faced in our society. We put You in charge God and know You can make things better by building up a society full of people that want to be Your hands and feet to fulfill the purpose You have for us. We accept Your love and grace that knows no bounds, Your Truth that knows right from wrong. May we limit worldly desires and take in the unlimited goodness available to us due to Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.

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

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