A point of total Moral decay Requires a return To the Lord’s Way. Admitting corruption In order to fix it With integrity From Holy Spirit. Going to the Lord To become strong, And to know right From what’s wrong. On the wooden cross The price was paid, And we take steps needed, As adjustments are made. For grace keeps flowing To clear negativity Like an ever-flowing stream Towards our liberty. Poem by Mark Shields – © 06-01-2023 Photo - Garvan Woodland Gardens near Hot Springs Arkansas
Made of black granite, A solid material, Is the Vietnam Wall Memorial. Reliable like God’s Lasting principles Through the test of time And invincible. To honor those who gave The ultimate sacrifice Much like our Christ Dying for our life. For we have a solid Foundation to stand As one nation Under God’s command. Who leads us through Difficult trials So we can step ahead For miles and miles. Rather than weighed down, We are freed by love. Not by misguided dictates But love from above. Gaining freedom In obeying God’s Way Depending on Him Each and every day. Thankful for our Lord’s Great supervision, We pray for what’s best In every decision. For He understands Our daily need So we let Him lead As we proceed. Along the path We’ll make history With confidence To final victory. Poem by Mark Shields – © 05-27-2023 Photo Source - "Bing." Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
The nation of Israel was in a time of decline as recorded in Judges 19. They had reached a point of total moral decay. Removing Godly principles from a society has disastrous effects so the poem below is to inspire a shift of this attitude within our society.
Correction needed To the horrible wrongs Within society The enemy prolongs. For the enemy removes Godly moralities That are disastrous On localities. So Spirit aflame Encircle my heart And this day with God Help me get a great start. Wake me up from Indifference So I speak my mind And make a difference. At purging this moral Contamination And make a stand Without hesitation. Poem by Mark Shields – © 05-25-2023
When my daughter was at college in Abilene Texas, we had several occasions to visit on weekends for activities. On one occasion, we had some extra time, so we went to visit Fort Phantom Hill which is about 15 miles north of the city. The fort was built to protect the westward-moving frontier of Texas in the 1850s until it was abandoned by the army. Shortly after it was abandoned, a fire destroyed most of the log walls and thatched roofs of the fort but still standing to this day are the stone fire places and the stone jail house. Stone will last a lifetime and beyond so if we build our life path on the stones of God’s solid principles, they will last a lifetime and beyond too.
Stone last a lifetime And even beyond Like the Word of God Of which we’ve grown fond. So we build our life On the materials Of Jesus’ teachings And principles. We pray faithfully And do what He instructs To overcome evil That always obstructs. So what weighs us down Is light as a feather As we win our battles In life together. With plans and actions Leading to the reward As we step ahead Alongside our Lord! Poem by Mark Shields – © 05-18-2023
Bad leadership Leads to decline But love from above Makes everything fine. So stay on track Stepping ahead And sharing the Word So it will spread. Working together For the good of all Following the mission And fulfilling a call. Focusing on faith, Devoted to the Way, And disciplined in prayer For directions each day. With Holy Spirit, Released is the power To reach new heights Each and every hour. Poem by Mark Shields – © 05-11-2023
Samson used the occasion in Judges 16 to fulfill his mission in life. He prayed that God would use his strength for one more great purpose as he pushed down the two pillars that supported the temple. The temple came crashing down sacrificing his own life to destroy his enemies.
To fulfill a mission, It takes ambition By praying each day In knowing the Way Listening for directions, And making corrections As the Lord leads In doing good deeds. It takes understanding In being outstanding With total focus To fulfill God’s purpose. Being patient, Not complacent, But Interested, And disciplined. With perseverance, And self-assurance To the final end My good friend! Poem by Mark Shields – © 05-04-2023
We know of Samson’s physical strength but what is most astonishing is the strength he received from the Spirit of the Lord and that same spiritual power is available to us. Use this poem as an affirmation for the strength you have through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I see a stream flowing Down a waterfall Like the grace of God Available for all. A spiritual strength To do the remarkable Unbounded by The impossible. Going the distance With each step at length My thirst is refreshed And I receive great strength. As I pray each day, God hears my request, And as I listen, I know what is best. And Though I may stumble, With God’s grace I’ll victoriously Finish this race. Poem by Mark Shields – © 04-27-2023 Photo Source - "Bing." Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
This poem is inspired by Judges 14 when Samson’s wife coaxed him into telling her the answer to a riddle. He had a bet with her people that they could not solve the riddle during the feast. The world can be a discouraging place that brings on dark times so use this poem to restore your faith and roll back the darkness.
I face pressure Or may be charmed Into something That brings harm. Anger may consume The emotion inside But going to God Can change the tide. Restoring my faith In God’s ultimate plan Of amazing blessings Throughout a lifespan. With Jesus I’m strong And each day is sunny For there is victory Sweeter than honey. So I’m not discouraged But see the goal in sight Out of the darkness Into the Light. Poem by Mark Shields – © 04-20-2023
God’s Son conquered the roaring lion called Satan to assure you of sweet victory.
Samson grew strong And so can we With years of growth Like a mature tree. With God’s Word, We gather strength For He’s always Within arm’s length. Using each of our strengths For the great commission There is encouragement Towards the mission. For Jesus is king Who will return, There are no doubts, Worries or concern. Stepping ahead We keep going the Way Conquering challenges We face each day. Poem by Mark Shields – © 04-13-2023 Photo – Trees surrounding Lake Tahoe
The winter no longer Cold and blistery As new growth of spring Fills us with mystery. The event of Easter took us from despair To hope as the tomb Was suddenly bare. Reminding us now Of God’s love That fills us with joy From up above. Refueling the soul And instructive For the best way To be productive. To step ahead As we journal Along the clear path To life eternal. Poem by Mark Shields – © 04-01-2021 Photo - Walking trail at Carleen Bright Arboretum near my home
Author: Mark Shields - Click Image to Link to my daily Devotional
Step Ahead 