This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey

Victorious Finish

Posted on March 23, 2023 by Mark Shields

I have fought the good fight, 
I have finished the race, 
I have kept the faith.  
                2 Timothy 4:7

A main thought from “Starting this Day on the Right Path” is that life is not always fair but you can be a part of creating a better future by first going to God in prayer and listening to the voice of truth. This voice will lay out a level path so the race can be run fairly. The advantage will then belong to the righteous for securing daily wins that lead to final victory.

So this day with God, listen to the Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns and as the song points out, there are giants against us but there is no need to be afraid because we can listen and believe in the voice of Truth.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Initiative | Tagged Devotional, Faith, Initiative, Justice, Praise, Soul, Spirit, Truth, victory, Worship | 1 Comment

Starting This Day On The Right Path

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Mark Shields

Today is the day so let’s start this day on the right path. Let us step ahead on the way God has provided to collect food for the soul and produces the fruits of the Spirit. Right now, we can give God our best … the best part of our day! Take in the instructions from His Word and set out to apply this Word in all we do.

Reading today in Psalm 58, there’s not a level path for all in the pursuit of happiness. To create a level path in society, it’s important to destroy evil in the early stages before it gets widespread. When surrounded by flagrant injustices brought about by evil, all societal systems become contaminated with a poison that is very difficult to filter out. Widespread evil is detrimental to the righteous as corrupt rulers gain power and they perpetuate a system of unequal justice that only benefits themselves.

Life is not always fair, but we can be a part of creating a better future by first going to God in prayer and listening to the voice of truth. This voice will lay out a level path so the race can be run fairly, and the advantage will then belong to the righteous for securing daily victories.

This day with You Lord, we pray for a level path for all. For corruption and injustice to be eliminated. Shine the light Lord to reveal those putting up roadblocks so we can remove them so all can step ahead on the path You have provided. Make many aware of the path that is fair so the righteous are the ones who secure final victory. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Initiative | Tagged Bible Study, Initiative, Justice, Prayer, Soul, Spirit, Truth, victory | 1 Comment

Question For Reflection For Study Of Psalms 58-63

Posted on March 21, 2023 by Mark Shields

We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. The below Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles. At all stages of life, the Bible is helpful in providing what is needed to thrive in life. If you have not done so yet, click the follow button on the top right side of this page to be notified of future posts.

Psalm 58 – Why is widespread evil so detrimental to the godly? What do you do when surrounded by flagrant injustices brought about by evil people? Is it ok to pray for the destruction of evil people and their evil ways? Explain why?

Psalm 59 – What is going on when this Psalm was written (See 1 Sam. 19:1-18)? What does David desire for himself? How does David describe his enemy? Why is David so sure of triumph?

Psalm 60 – What has happened to Israel in the midst of their military prowess (See 2 Sam. 8)? How important is God’s help? What do you think about God’s providence and your own responsibility for success in life?

Psalm 61 – What are David’s feelings now in his relationship with God? How does he express his feeling of distance from God? What does he request? When have you felt the need for security and strength recently? Can you give the name of a song of praise to help?

Psalm 62 – How does David regard the necessity of God in his life (note the use of alone and only)? What do your actions and advice reveal about the source of your strength? What makes the drastic difference between God who is trustworthy and of men who are untrustworthy?

Psalm 63 – What are David’s circumstances now? What especially does he miss? With what is he satisfied? What is in the future for those who try to overthrow him as king?

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments.

To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

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

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Questions for Reflection | Tagged Bible Study, Christ, Faith, God’s Plan, Holy Spirit, Hope, Leadership, Lessons, Life, Love, Prayer, Reflection, Scripture | 1 Comment

Looking Back At Psalms 52-57 For Encouragement On The Journey Ahead

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Mark Shields

For the last few weeks, the journey has taken me through Psalms 52-57. David faced many challenges fleeing from Saul. He was oppressed, in fear, and his world was crumbling around him, but he handled it with poise. Below, is food for thought gained from this group of Psalms that provide encouragement on the journey ahead!

A lesson from Psalm 52 is that the heart of God is for the righteous and the reward belongs to them. Anyone who deceives or lies to look good, will have their day coming. God can do far greater than we could ever do to even the score and ultimately bring victory.

A thought from Psalm 53 is the importance of putting our attention on the things of God so we are prepared for the world. Wisdom begins by seeking God, understanding His Way, and applying our faith.

From Psalm 54, noted was that there are times when it seems the challenge is too big. That’s when we need to have confidence that God is bigger, take courage by believing God’s angels are near, and take on the challenge before us even if it is scary.

Brought out in Psalm 55 was the poise of David. Through all the difficulty, he reacted with optimism. The advantage of being a follower of Christ is the poise gained to withstand adversity. The attitude embraced is positive because there is faith that everything is going to turn out all right and the future will be bright.

David was going through difficulty and wrote the poem in Psalm 56. In the poem, we learn that God was gracious to David and eventually He was able to escape to the cave of Adullam (1 Sam. 22:1).

David’s response to the challenges he faced while fleeing from Saul was to praise God and this day, we can respond the same way. Never get discouraged for opportunity often comes disguised as difficulty so keep thoughts of God’s compassion in mind.

Posted in Bible Study | Tagged Bible Study, Encouragement, Faith, Grace, Holy Spirit, Hope, Love, Prayer, Psalms, victory, Worship | 1 Comment

Whispers of Fear in the Ear

Posted on March 19, 2023 by Mark Shields

When I was younger, I didn’t have many fears. I was like the kid in the photo with the courage to do anything but some things I did may not have been so smart. Now that I’ve reached a certain age, it’s like being a kid again but with better judgment. I may be over the hill, but fix’n to pick up speed!

David needed speed for the situation he faced in Psalm 54. He was on the run from Saul who was trying to kill him. David was surrounded and went to God for help. It’s the same for us today as sometimes it seems the enemy surrounds us and we hear whispers of fear in the ear.

The thing to do is go to God for help. The whispers of fear in the ear are a lie. Boldly step ahead because God is bigger than fear. He will give courage and judgment to make the best decision going forward.

Index of devotionals