Simple Truths

Posted on April 18, 2023 by Mark Shields 
Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,
   but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. – Proverbs 11:12

Simple truths are powerful as written about in “Handle with Care”. The thought was 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 an enemy and electricity can kill if not handled in the proper way.

Take inspiration from the song The Words I Would Say by Sidewalk Prophets and like the lyrics go, learn to forgive and forget. Take time to pray and be thankful for each day. Know that love will find a way.

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Handle With Care

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Mark Shields

We learn very early in life that fire burns and that you sink in deep water. Many times, it’s the simple ideas that seem to be overlooked in favor of the more complex. Simple thoughts and ideas can result in amazing discoveries. Think of Ben Franklin’s kite experiment and the idea that lightening contained electricity. By using a kite along with a piece of wire, he demonstrated the electrical nature of lightning. We also know that when electricity is not handled with care, a person can be electrocuted.

People must be handled with care too. Reading today in Psalm 64, the people that David had trusted betrayed him and he was a hunted man. Probably written at the time of the Absalom rebellion, David’s enemies used slander as their weapon.

David reacts towards his enemies schemes and assaults with confidence in God because he knew God could turn their words against them and bring them to ruin. There are only 26 letters in our alphabet yet arranging these letters into words can be extremely powerful so they need to be handled with care. Think about it: All the lyrics to songs and all the books written were formed from these 26 letters of the alphabet.

When wounded by bitter words, our major concern must be that we hold our composure and channel our anger in the right way. Like David, go to God in prayer and let Him fight our battles. Depend on God for wisdom in the words to say and the actions to take.

We are grateful for Your Word Lord for it is powerful. We learn at an early age that we sink in deep water and that some things we touch are hot. It’s these simple truths that have so much power. Like electricity which can kill, we pray that we handle our words with care. We depend on the wisdom from Your Word Lord to guide our steps and are thankful for Your grace. With grace, we come to You to gain wisdom in order to live the way life is meant to be lived. Your Word gives us the way to a beautiful life and healthy life. Help us to use Your Word in the proper way. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Shadow of God’s Wings

Posted on April 16, 2023 by Mark Shields

The inspiration for Psalm 57 is David running from Saul and escaping into the cave of Adullam (1 Sam. 22:1). The words “I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings” from verse 1 should resonate with anyone that is facing a difficult challenge. In the shadow of God’s wings, we can evaluate and choose the way to go. As long as we choose the prompting of the Spirit, there is liberty and ultimate victory. There is mercy that removes worry as we make our request and are blessed.

Index of devotionals

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Poetry Friday 04-14-2023

Posted on April 14, 2023 by Mark Shields

A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the post ” Grow and Gather Strength” and offers encouragement towards our calling as we use our individual strengths for God’s glory. God uses all our strengths to carry out His purpose.

Also, let’s worship with the song You Say by Lauren Daigle to face the challenges of today. Don’t believe in the lies of this world that tell us we will never measure up but listen to God who tells us that we have what it takes. He will give us the strength we need to handle the concerns, doubts, and worries of today in order to take on the challenges of the future.

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Questions For Reflection For Study Of Psalms 64-72

Posted on April 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.

Psalm 64 – What characteristics do the wicked have? How does David react toward their schemes and assaults? What will be the end result of God’s intervention? What is you major concern when wounded by bitter words?

Psalm 65 – How are words and action related in this song of praise? What is the basis for a person’s praise of God? Can you specify to Him what the goodness should include? To what extent has God been involved in the world in the past? What is your hope for the future?

Psalm 66-67 – What is the stimulus for the call to praise God here? How is God related to Israel’s history? What will the nations see that God has done for Israel? What are the appropriate responses? What are ideas do you have for getting others enthusiastic toward worship? Towards bringing the goodness of God to all nations?

Psalm 68:1-18 – What is the probable occasion for this majestic psalm? How does David regard God’s part in the reasons for celebrating? To what extend do you thank God in anticipation of His goodness to you?

Psalm 68:19-35 – What characteristics of God do we get from these verses? What effect do these characteristics have on His people? Why is Israel assured of victory? What do they ask God to do in regard to their enemies?

Psalm 69 – How does David picture himself? What do you request from God when you are in despair? What is David’s assurance for the future?

Psalm 70 – What is the basis for David’s appeal to God? Why is urgency expressed in this request? How can your desires be more centered in seeking and loving God? What experiences have caused you to think, “God is great”?

Psalm 71 – What is the theme of verses 1-9? What is author’s age at the time of this writing? What is the situation in which he finds himself? Why does the writer of this psalm have hope and praise in this situation?

Psalm 72 – What are the characteristics the king should have? What is the natural effect of a righteous national administration? Why are righteousness and national prosperity related? What ideas do you have for providing spiritual and material needs?

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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