Confidence in the Way

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Mark Shields

In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. – Ephesians 3:12

A major thought from “Leadership Being Passed On” is to have confidence in the Way of God. The Holy Spirit will help us make the tough decisions and have good judgment as we set out to find solutions to problems. If we want to win each day, we’ve got to begin to saddle up, follow God, and embark on blazing the trail.

These same thoughts are given to us in the song The Great Adventure by Steven Curtis Chapman. Each day with God, let us saddle up our horses because we’ve got a trail to blaze into the glorious unknown.

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Leadership Being Passed On

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Mark Shields

The photo was taken at the homecoming parade of my high school. It’s a tradition built over the years when classmates get together to decorate a float and share in the memories of the past. The location I took this photo was once the site of the old high school until a new one was built on the outskirts of town. My grandfather was the principle of the old high school for many years, then my dad was an elementary school principle in the same school district, and now my brother is the high school principal at the new high school.

Today in reading 1 Kings 2, we see that leadership is being passed from one generation to the next. David gave Solomon some instructions as his reign was coming to an end and he passes on instructions from the Lord to the next generation. Solomon followed through with these instructions to fulfill the word the Lord had spoken.

There was a lot of problems that needed to be cleaned up as the reigns of the kingdom were being handed over. Just like in current time with many issues to take on. The response the Lord wants from us is to have faith in Him to help us make the tough decisions and have good judgment as we set out to find solutions to problems. If we want to win each day, we’ve got to begin to saddle up, follow God, and embark on blazing a new trail.

As we take in God’s word each day, let us blaze this trail, build on it, and pass it on as we are intentional about growing, about what we feed our soul, and doing what’s most important. When we ask for God’s help to fulfill our purpose, there is an impact that ripples through society. What we pass on keeps the ripple effect going for many years.

This day with You Lord, not all decisions are easy as we saw in today’s passage. Following Your instructions is not easy, or most popular but small steps at least get us started. Then the harder steps start to fall in place with Your help. This day, guide our steps even in very difficult times so we find solutions to problems. As we saddle up, follow your Way, and embark on blazing a new trail. In Jesus name … Amen!

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Teach Them

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Mark Shields

Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. – Mark 2:13

The Master teacher was charming as large crowds came to Him to learn. An important take away from “Reaching Way Up High” is the need to bring more and more people to the teachings of Jesus. We are all 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 using your skills to benefit the next generation. You may have started a dream but like David, you may not be the one to build it to completion. Someone in the next generation, may need to finish.

The important purpose being fulfilled is sharing about the charming personality of Jesus who died for you and me.  This day with God, reach way up high for this food for the soul and live in gratitude for each day. Take inspiration from the song Gratitude by Brandon Lake. Stretch out your arms for all the charms of Jesus. Throw up your hands and praise again.

Index of devotionals

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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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