Going the Wrong Way

Posted on June 26, 2024 by Mark Shields

A guy is on his way home from work. His wife calls him and tells him to be careful because she saw on the news that some lunatic was driving the wrong way on the interstate. He says it’s worse than that … There are hundreds of them.*

Think about actions of the past that may get people going the wrong way and get them in a bind. It may be something like saying something out of anger, buying something that was not needed, or taking the wrong advice from someone. 

Foolish actions not only get us into a bind but also affect those around us. Our family, neighbors, co-workers, and community. Reading today in 2 Kings 16, Ahaz became king after Jotham’s death. He was a wicked king of Judah and his foolish actions included sacrificing his son in the fire as an offering to an idol. This detestable practice of idol worship along with offering sacrifices and burned incense at the high places set the stage for failure.

God was not with Ahaz and a coalition of Israel and Syria to the north invaded Judah inflicting heavy casualties. It was Judah’s darkest hour so Ahaz paid Assyria to help in the war. He paid with gold taken from the temple. He was totally under Assyria’s control and even allowed the king of Assyria to lead Judah rather than God.

It all started with idol, dominoes from there, and Ahaz got in a bind. Then, he took extreme measures to get his situation straightened out. The foolish actions of Ahaz caused his family and nation to suffer. We can be grateful that because of Jesus, we have a sure Way to head back in the right direction. All we need to understand is that His grace is enough. Then we can begin the process of correcting foolish actions with actions that are thought out and get us back on track.

Things will fall into place because of His grace. Because of the Savior, there is a change in behavior; following where He leads and doing good deeds; accepting the truth and teaching our youth; learning His ways and giving Him praise.

This day Lord, we are thankful for grace which the book of Truth tells us about. You give us the opportunity to be holy and receive the Spirit that guides us along the path. Your Word Lord coaches us towards holiness. Help us to make the right choices by following the Light as we read Your Word, apply it, and share it. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

*Short and Funny Jokes| Top 100. https://short-funny.com

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Peace and Eternal Bliss

Posted on June 25, 2024 by Mark Shields

Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you: do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. –  Deuteronomy 4:23-24

Noted in ”Blessings For Following His Way”, there was a definite correlation between the kings that followed God’s Way and those who did not. Those who worshiped the ONE true God and did right in His eyes were blessed with stability and peace. Those who did not had a nation filled with conspiracies, wars, and assassinations.

Let us worship the ONE true God today and celebrate with the song The Blessing by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes & Elevation Worship.

May His favor be upon you,
Your family, and their children
For many generations,
And may there be peace
And eternal bliss.

Index of devotionals

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Blessings for Following His Way

Posted on June 24, 2024 by Mark Shields

Like in this photo, don’t follow atoms … they make up everything. Follow God who is the Truth. This day with God, let us worship the ONE true God who promises to bless those who follow His Way. The blessings consist of a future with purpose, peace, and a perfect place that is beyond what could be imagined.

Reading today in 2 Kings 15, there is a definite correlation between leaders that did right in the eyes of God and those who did not. The kings that did right in the eyes of God benefited like the kings of Judah written about in today’s passage.  Azariah was he king of Judah for fifty-two years. On the other hand, the kings of Israel did what was evil and their reigns were filled with mayhem, assassinations, and conspiracy.

The freedom of Israel was lost when her leaders turned from God. It’s the same in life today! If a person or nation turns away from God, they lose their freedom. The ideas for abundant living are not carried out because there is no incentive. Success is provided for a few rather than naturally occurring for the masses.

By applying the basic fundamentals of God’s principles, an individual or nation has more opportunities to prosper. What changes can be made to do more right in the eyes of the Lord? Some things that come to mind are to accept God’s grace. To pray for steps to take in the future, and to apply our faith.

Jesus made God’s grace available, so we are guided to loving relationships, nurturing families, and flourishing careers. There are many voices to listen to but trusting in the Holy Spirit for direction will lead us to places never imaging before.

This day with You God, we are focused on You who we obey. We pray that we follow Your Way and that our hearts do not go astray. You are the True God and the ONE who we worship today. Thank You for grace and the opportunity to come to You. There are many voices we could listen to but by accepting Your Son, there is grace and we are guided by the Holy Spirit. There are blessings now and into eternity for following Your Way and we are grateful. Amen.

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

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Thought From Devotional 06-21-2024

Posted on June 21, 2024 by Mark Shields

A thought received from the study of John 5:30-47 is the need to remove what covers my vision and have an open heart that lets into my mind and soul the things of God. This day with God, search the Scriptures with diligence and pay attention to this best Way of living as explained by Jesus who worked with a passion to build something that will last forever.

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Our Fortress

Posted on June 20, 2024 by Mark Shields

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. – Psalm 28:7

Noted in “Strengths and Weaknesses” is that a person or nation may be strong and prosperous, but at the same time there may be weakness with moral decay that eventually destroys in the long run.

There needs to be a balance between our spiritual lives, our career, and family. The Good News is that the Lord is faithful in spite of our downfalls. The best resource for quickly moving into action and having a balanced life is the Word of God.

The Word is where we find the Way, the Truth, the Life, and can best organize around each other’s strengths to glorify the Lord.  Let us praise the Lord with the song Housefires – The Way (New Horizon) (feat. Pat Barrett) and be mindful that in every challenge, God is our fortress

Index of devotionals

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