Trust in Jesus During Weakness

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Mark Shields

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trust in You. –  Isaiah 26:3

Studied in “Staying on the Path” is how King Solomon built the temple of God with a plan, with patience, and with persistence. These are the same qualities we need as we build our life by trusting in the path provided.

Our attention is undivided; and thankful for the path provided. It’s a wonderful time for praise for the ways the Spirit has guided. Today’s song is God is in this Story and remember, God’s in the details. Even in the broken parts, He holds your heart. In your moments of weakness, go to Jesus.

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Staying on the Path

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Mark Shields

When we follow the Way as the Spirit guides, we will get to where we need to go so let us keep focused on the path provided and for ways we are guided. This day with God as we read 1 Kings 8:1-21, our attention is undivided as we step ahead!

King Solomon built the temple of God with a plan, patience, and persistence. After the temple was finished, we read that the arc of the Lord’s covenant was brought to God’s house. It was placed in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place (v. 6).

We can use the same qualities of having a plan, being patient, and being persistent in how we build our own life so the Spirit sent by Jesus is the inner core of our life. The Spirit dwells inside us to help in all we do to glorify God.

Because of Jesus, know that the Spirit dwells inside and is with us throughout the battles, in times of indifference, and the times of doubt. In every moment of every day, make God’s indwelling Spirit evident by being filled with peace, with purpose, and with faith.

Start each day focused on the ONE who demonstrated these characteristics. The world will distract and try to get us off target but if our aim is on the purposes of God, we will stay on mission. Have faith because all things will be possible when we put Jesus at the center of it all!

Lord, we are gathering the details of Your plan and will follow with persistence. We are focused on your Way and will patiently take one step at a time. In every moment of this day, we will be steadfast because we trust in You. In times of weakness, we pray in Jesus’ name for strength and know that our struggles will last only a short time. We will keep on walking because Your path leads to peace and eternal bliss. Amen!

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Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Kings 8-11

Posted on June 13, 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.

1 Kings 8:1-21 – When the temple is finished, what must then be brought to God’s house? What place does it occupy there? What occupies the inner core of your life? In what specific ways is God’s indwelling evident in your life?

1 Kings 8:22-53 – What characteristics of God does Solomon emphasize in verses 22-23? What is necessary if we are to enter God’s presence? For whom does Solomon pray? For what friends and associates will you pray specifically today?

1 Kings 8:54-66 – On what basis does Solomon bless the assembly (See vv. 51-53)? How is the house of God dedicated? How are you dedicating your life to the Lord? How do the people feel as they go home? What is your response to God?

1 Kings 9 – What does God say about Solomon’s prayer? What conditions does God lay down for the future? What promises does He make? What progression do you see in Solomon’s worship of God (compare vv. 3-9 to 3:14 and 6:11-13)? What growth and improvement is evident in your worship of God?

1 Kings 10 – What types of activities does the queen of Sheba observe? To what extent can others tell that you love God by your ordinary actions as well as by your worship activities? How does Solomon use the gifts God gives him? How do you use God’s gifts to you?

1 Kings 11:1-8 – What is a major cause of Solomon’s spiritual decline? Where does the decline begin? What are his strengths? His major weaknesses (See 1 Kings 3:1-4)? What tendencies, weaknesses, or wrongdoings in your life should you bring to God as you pray?

1 Kings 11:9-43 – What knowledge does Solomon have that destroys any excuse (See 9:6-9)? What do verses 9-13 indicate about God’s character? What are the consequences of God’s actions in verses 14 and 23 for the world today? What can we do?

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/>.

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Spiritual Journey Through 1 Kings 1-7

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in 1 Kings 1-7 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.

An important take away from 1 Kings 1 is the need to bring more and more people to the teachings of Jesus. You are on a journey to your ultimate destination way up high in heaven so let this humble you to pray for and care for the next generation so they can continue what was started.

A major thought from 1 Kings 2 is to have confidence in the Way of God. The Holy Spirit will help you make the tough decisions and have good judgment as you set out to find solutions to problems. If you want to win each day, saddle up, follow God, and embark on blazing the trail.

Noted in 1 Kings 3:1-15 is that Solomon was young when he became king and lacked experience to do his duties, so he asked God in a dream for wisdom in being a leader to benefit the people. You can learn from this appeal to God that a request for others instead of yourself is looked on by God in a positive way. Many times, God will not only grant your request for others but also bless you beyond measure too.

Learned in 1 Kings 3-4 is that God gave Solomon certain qualities like great wisdom and insight. People from nations around the world wanted to come listen and learn. God has given you qualities too! You can do more than you ever dreamed because God is with you and will carry you to greatness with the wisdom and knowledge revealed in His Plan.

When God gives a common purpose like He did for Solomon and Hiram as explained in 1 Kings 5, there is a chemistry and consistency that makes each individual better. One is bound to the other which provides endurance, encouragement, and extra strength.

The important project of building the temple to God was recorded in 1 Kings 6-7. For every important project, it’s important to have a plan, find helpers with certain skills, and get started; paying attention to the details and being patient but persistent until it’s finished.

This day with God, build your life like Solomon built the temple. Receive inspiration from the song Build My Life by Pat Barrett and take some of the ideas from the song to build your life according to God’s plan.

A plan with a firm foundation and by putting your trust in the Lord. For there is no one better to lead you because He leads with love so you are motivated to tell others of God’s love and His plan for them.

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More than Just Okay

Posted on June 11, 2023 by Mark Shields

David was going through some bad days but as pointed out in Psalm 62, he knew with Yaweh things would be more than just okay.

God is interested in your future and that’s why He sent a Savior. If you desire to be a blessing to others by telling them about God’s love, it will come to pass that you will be more than just okay. 

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31

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