Lacking Nothing

Posted on August 10, 2023 by Mark Shields 
The testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. - James 1:3-4

From the study “He Guides and Provides”, Elijah took steps right where he was to listen to God; to start spreading faith so that one day a healing rain would come to the area and the crops would grow to produce a harvest so the people would be lacking nothing.

Listen to the song Healing Rain by Michael W. Smith. The world can be a brutal place with alcohol, drug abuse, financial crises, etc. but be patient. Even though your faith is being tested, don’t be afraid as the song says. Be washed in heaven’s healing rain by the great I Am and lack nothing.

Index of devotionals

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He Guides and Provides

Posted on August 9, 2023 by Mark Shields

The world can lead down the wrong path. We can see it all around with drugs and alcohol abuse. With health and financial issues. There is either too much rain with some parts of the world receiving lots of rain and other parts none at all. The world can be brutal but have faith my friend like the man below.

*A group of people were meeting in a rural community to pray for rain. One man brought an umbrella. That is faith!

As we remember the previous passages studied, the religious and moral climate had become appalling because of the poor leadership of the kings who worshiped idols. As we read today in 1 Kings 17, this angered God so a drought was brought on which led to famine.

Being guided by God leads to harmony, peace, and joy. The way of the world leads to strife, war, hunger, and ultimate death. In today’s passage, we are told about a drought and noted is that God gave Elijah guidance as He told Elijah to stay beside a river. God told him that the birds would bring him food. 

God not only provides but also guides and His resources are plentiful as noted in the life of a widow who was running out of cooking oil and flour. She was going to make the last meal for herself and her son. Then she met Elijah who promised that God would replenish her flour and oil. Each time she made more bread, there was more flour and oil available for preparation of the next meal.

For us today, the grace received because of Jesus’ death on the cross is replenished for us. The grace available to us is like the cooking oil and flour that never runs out. It keeps feeding the soul forever!

This day with God, the takeaway is that Elijah took steps right where he was to listen to God; to start spreading faith so that one day a healing rain would come to the area and the crops would grow to produce a harvest.

Lord, You can get us through it all with Your guidance and with what You provide. We may have droughts in life but You are big enough to meet our needs. We pray now that You are at work making sure we are guided along the path to brighter days ahead and that we receive what is needed as we take each step along this path. Amen.

*Peters, Ben. “Six Little Stories With Lots of Meaning – Creator Villa.” Creator Villa, 17 Jan.  2021, https://creatorvilla.com/six-little-stories-with-lots-of-meaning/.

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Questions for Reflect for Study of 1 Kings 17-22

Posted on August 8, 2023 by Mark Shields

We are nearing the end of our journey through the book of 1 Kings with seven more chapters to go. We will continue to be focused on the purpose of this blog as we continue to use it in helping us to apply His Word in our life.  I’ve found it to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are keeping me accountable to daily Bible reading and study.

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. Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles at work, at home, and in all we do.

Here is a link to all the devotionals done so far

Index of devotionals

Anyone can join in as we journey together.

Also, the concepts presented in God’s Perfect Timing offer ideas for using our time wisely and the lessons of God’s Plan for Us gives a method towards making an impact in the world in which we live. 

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable to sharing about God’s word. As I share about my study of the book of 1 Kings over the next few weeks, it’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Christ as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day amazing!

Questions for Reflection

1 Kings 17– What seems to be the religious and moral climate now? What are you learning about God’s work through the events of your life? How is God using you in other people’s lives? How do you know?

1 Kings 18 – What is Ahab’s attitude towards Elijah? Why do you think Baal doesn’t answer? What recent experience in your life has caused you to say, “The Lord, He is God”?

1 Kings 19 – What is Jazebel’s reaction to the Mount Carmel Incident? What are the reasons for Elijah’s depression and sense of failure? Which of Elijah’s needs does God meet first? To what extent do you try to meet another person’s needs?

1 Kings 20 – Why does God give Ben-Hadad into Ahab’s hands? What is God seeking to teach Ahab? Why do you think Ahab spares Ben-Hadad? What is Ahab’s attitude toward God’s judgment?

1 Kings 21 – What qualities of life does Jezebel reveal in this incident? For what reasons do you let other people influence you to do evil? How does Ahab’s repentance affect God’s announced punishment?

1 Kings 22 – What is different about Micaiah’s prophecy with that of the others? What does his story teach about God? What do verses 8,16,18, 26-28, 30 reveal about Ahab’s real attitude to truth? How do you react to parts of scripture that reprove and correct you?

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 or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

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.  <https://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/>.

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Spiritual Journey Through 1 Kings 12-16

Posted on August 7, 2023 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in 1 Kings 12-16 and sharing some thoughts that not only can benefit you now but also help the next generation too! The greatest of all possessions one can hand off to future generations are the guiding principles taught from the Word of God.

After Solomon, his son Rehoboam was crowned king but as explained in 1 Kings 12:1-24, he entangled his people with the yoke of bondage instead of giving his people liberty. He lacked a basic element of good leadership which is taking advice from the right people. Knowing where to go to for advice is crucial and understanding how to treat people right is essential.

A main point brought out in 1 Kings 12:25-33 is how the nation of Israel began to decline when the leaders did not follow God’s way. The people were led astray by leaders that manipulated the people with their own selfish motives.

A lesson from 1 Kings 13 is the need to study experiences from characters of the Bible. To note the results of decisions made to help learn more about the crucial skill of decision making and give suggestions for the best plans of action.

From analysis of the life of Jeroboam in 1 Kings 14:1-20, there is a need to be faithful to God by knowing our purpose. We need to test and approve God’s will in our life. If we do not design our life plan together with God, there’s a good chance we will fall into someone else’s plan that doesn’t maximize our potential for God’s glory.

A dream of mine I started years ago is to journey through God’s word and share my thoughts. To give God my best … the best part of my day! As brought out in 1 Kings 14:21-15:8 to take in the instructions from His Word and set out to apply this Word in all I do. By seeking lessons from God’s word, I’m able to see my faults and understand that there is need for help. Jesus is that help, and the Holy Spirit gives the freedom to start new, to plan, to think. To help come up with ideas and to dream big.

We studied in 1 Kings 15:9-24 about a king that did what was right in the eyes of God. Situations can make it difficult to change everything immediately, but a person can plan, organize, give direction, and begin switching their situation to the point that positive reform can start. A nation under God and not idols will begin to see the tide change and momentum for success kick in because the nation becomes strong. Then threats from God’s enemies can be handled as attacks are thwarted.

We will go further into 1 Kings over the next few weeks. Keep up with my spiritual journey either through following this blog by clicking the follow button on the top right side of this page or by liking the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Let’s share thoughts or ideas about applying our faith as we step ahead along the path to victory.

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Steppingstones

Posted on August 6, 2023 by Mark Shields

In Psalm 69 David pictures himself as up to his neck in deep waters. In a state of despair where his enemies hated him for no reason. His life was in grave danger, so he prays for help.

Life can be disappointing with things that we have no control over and things in our past that put us in deep water, but God has a way to provide the help we need.

Summon the King of heaven for help to pull through and press on so the obstacles are pushed over to become steppingstones to where you want to go.

Index of devotionals

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

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