Reaching Way Up High

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Mark Shields
A baby giraffe trying to reach the leaves

The giraffe gets food by reaching way up high like God’s word feeds us from way up high. This day with God, let us continue our study by reading 1 Kings 1 as we reach way up high to gather food for our soul.

David was at the end of his life and one of his sons named Adonijah was attempting to become king. There are two sides developing in today’s passage. The friends of Adonijah and those on the side of Solomon.

A friend of Adonijah named Joab was a military leader who took things in his own hands without authority and had a past of stirring up the household of David. Abiathar was a priest on the side of Joab. Nathan was the prophet who had helped David see his sin in killing the husband of Bathsheba. Bathsheba was the mother of Solomon and it was assumed that this son of David would take over as king.

Nathan recognized that what Adonijah was doing was not right. When something is taking place that is against the will of God, it’s important to step in like Nathan with the authority we have to get involved so wrongs are made right.

People of God understand that we are on a journey to our ultimate destination way up high in heaven and this humbles us to pray for and care for the next generation so they can continue what was started.

As a Christian leader, think of ways you are helping the next generation. You may have started a dream but like David, you may not be the one to build it to completion. The important purpose being fulfilled is sharing about the benefits of following the Way.

We can use our skills, so individuals accept Christ and are inspired to share with others about following Jesus too. 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!

This day with You Lord, help us to share about the Master teacher to those around us in which we have an impact. That we take in today more food for the soul in order to share with them. We reach way up high for this food and live in gratitude for each day. Help us to dream big so the next generation is taught about You so Your Word and Way of life is passed throughout time. You see each of us as a treasure beyond measure and this inspires us to live each day to glorify You. Give us peace in knowing You will take the dream we started to a new level beyond what we could even imagine. In the name of the Master teacher we pray …Amen!

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Questions for Reflection of 1 Kings 1-7

Posted on May 21, 2023 by Mark Shields

The journey through Psalms 52 – 72 has given encouragement for the journey ahead that will now take us into the book of 1 Kings for a while. We will continue to gain insight from God’s Word in order to apply our faith at work, at home, and in all we do.

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable as I share about God’s Word. To share about my study of 1 Kings, 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 each day amazing!

Questions for Reflection

1 Kings 1 – What does Adonijah’s choice of friends suggest about his character (See 2 Sam. 3:27; 20:8-10; 12:1-15; 20:23; 23:20-23)? Should someone get involved when something is taking place that is against God’s will? What is your dream for being a leader in Christianity?

1 Kings 2 – Why does David charge Solomon in this way? How does Solomon follow through (See verses 26-27 along with 1 Sam. 2:37-36)? What response does God want from you?

1 Kings 3:1-15 – In what way is Solomon’s love for God inconsistent? What is Solomon’s request? What can a Christian leader learn from this request? How does God respond?

1 Kings 3-4 – How does the story of the harlots illustrate the fulfillment of God’s promises in 3:12? What qualities in your life has God given? Who receives the praise? What is the basic source of Solomon’s prosperity?

1 Kings 5 – What is Hiram’s relationship with David and Solomon? What qualities of friendship are apparent? What does Hiram’s reply indicate about his relationship to God? What kind of friendships should we seek?

1 Kings 6-7 – What quality of workmanship and materials goes into God’s house? How long does the job take? How does God dwell with you? Why?

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 – A Spiritual Journey.

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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Poetry Friday 05-19-2023

Posted on May 19, 2023 by Mark Shields

A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the post Stone Last Forever which is a study of Judges 18. The takeaway from this study is that we need to have more than just a symbolic relationship with God but build our lives on God’s solid principles that last this lifetime and beyond.

Some in society will go to extremes for false rewards but the guaranteed reward is serving the True God! Let’s start today on the path to victory in a time of praise with the song Come Let Us Return to the Lord by Matt Redman.

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The Spiritual Journey Continues Into 1 Kings

Posted on May 18, 2023 by Mark Shields

I just finished a spiritual journey through Psalm 52 – 72 and I’ll go into 1 Kings next.

Here is a link to all the devotionals done so far.

Index of devotionals

If you would like to get notified with each new post, I invite you to click on the follow button on the far top right of this page to join me on this spiritual journey. Another way to keep up with my spiritual journey is through the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Click like and share so friends and family outside of WordPress can view too. 

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Spiritual Journey Through Psalms 64-72

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in Psalms 64-72 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.

Reflecting on Psalm 64, simple truths are so powerful. The thought is that both electricity and words can be dangerous but are very useful if channeled for the right purpose.  Words used as lies become weapons for the enemy and electricity can kill if not handled in the proper way.

Reading the song of praise in Psalm 65, the goodness of God brings rain showers to grow the crops for the harvest. In a similar fashion, worship and praise affirms a future in which God’s plan for us will grow the fruits of the Spirit.

The stimulus for the call to praise in Psalm 66-67 is looking back at the past and what good things God has done so this gives enthusiasm going forward. It attracts others to walk by faith, put their hope in God, and accept God’s mercy through the loving gift of His son.

A takeaway from Psalm 68:1-18 is that God’s divine design provides direction and protection as we walk in faith.

This day with God, believe you have home field advantage as brought out in reading Psalm 68:19-35 and know there is victory through our Lord.

We can do what David does in Psalm 69 in the situations we face. Life can be disappointing with things that you have no control over and things in your past that weigh you down but God has a way to lighten the load. So during adversity, keep hoping and believing that God will pull you up out of the deep waters.

Reading in Psalm 70, David’s appeal to God was made because he was in a difficult time as his enemies thought they had him where they wanted him. The challenges and decisions that require urgent resolutions are more easily handled if proper preparations are made. Prayer and listening to God through His word prepares you to make quick decisions with a plan of action.

A takeaway from Psalm 71 is that hope has a name, and its name is Jesus, so never get down in difficulty for a new day comes around. Remember what Jesus went through on the cross. Remember the many things people have gone through but have come out stronger on the other side. Hand over to the next generation an optimistic future shaped by your hope.

The major point of Psalm 72 is that a nation under God brings justice, protection, and longevity to its people. It is one nation under God with liberty and justice for all. God blesses the nation with prosperity throughout the land with resources available to take care of the needy and afflicted.  

God helps individuals and nations when they help themselves so as in the song Come Let Us Return to the Lord by Matt Redman, let us have confidence that things fall into place by accepting His grace. Because of the Savior, there is a change in behavior so let us follow where He leads and do good deeds. As we accept the truth, teach our youth in God’s ways, and give Him praise.

The road map is at this link and all who accept Jesus will be rewarded because God’s kingdom has abundance, and the Spirit has no limit! The blessings consist of a future with provision, purpose, peace, and a perfect place for you that is beyond what could be imagined.

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