See the Victory

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Mark Shields

No one wins all the time because some are hamstrung … some are hobbled but with Jesus, all is won so see the victory and you will never fail as grace will give power for you to prevail. As we continue to run the race towards the finish line, let us read Psalm 52.

We note today that the mighty hero in this passage is Doeg who told Saul where David was and struck down all the priests as Saul ordered him. He is an opportunist who deceitfully plots against others to benefit himself. His main weapons were words of deceit and lies against others that he tells to powerful people in order to make himself look good.

The end of the mighty hero is the judgment of God. The corrupt man may get away with his lies and deceit for a while but God will eventually bring him down to everlasting ruin (v. 5). On the other hand, the heart of God is love for those who patiently follow His Way and let Him fight the battles.

David describes himself as an olive tree which symbolizes peace and friendship. The olive tree has a robust root system that regenerates itself after the above-ground structure of the tree is destroyed. It thrives in the area near the Mediterranean and lives a long fruitful life. David like an olive tree will flourish because he trust in God’s unfailing love (v. 8).

This day with God, let us strive to be like an olive tree too because the heart of God is for the righteous and the reward belongs to them. Anyone who deceives or lies to look good, will have their day coming. God can do far greater than we could ever do to even the score and ultimately bring victory.

This day with You God, we receive Your unfailing love that always brings victory. There are many challenges to face and sometimes those against us will be deceitful. We need Your spiritual weapons like faith, hope, and love. Because of grace, You Lord take the weight off our shoulders so we can run the race with endurance. Like an olive tree, You will regenerate us even if some want to destroy us. Because of Your love, we have the strength to withstand. We are Your people that offer peace and friendship because we have confidence in You taking control to push us to victory.

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Daily Quiet Time

Posted on February 26, 2023 by Mark Shields

A thought from a recent devotional is that sacrificing a little time and being obedient with a daily quiet time, prayer, and planning is a sure way to successfully get ready for the challenges each day brings.

Index of devotionals

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Poetry Friday 02-24-2023

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Mark Shields

A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the post “Productive and Efficient” about how we can make humble use of the basic plan that God provides, and this plan is greater than any suggestion presented by an exclusive group of experts.

God can use us to do amazing things! We have potential to win great battles in life if we follow God’s plan for us. Take inspiration from the song Word of God Speak by MercyMe as you stay and rest in God’s holiness today.

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Psalms 52-57

Posted on February 23, 2023 by Mark Shields

The journey through 2 Samuel has given encouragement for the journey ahead that will now take us back into the book of Psalms 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 Psalms, 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

Psalm 52 – Identify and characterize the mighty hero (See 1 Sam. 21:1-9; 22:1-23)? What is his main weapon? What will be the end of the mighty hero? What qualities to you think David has in mind when he describes himself as a tree?

Psalm 53 – What is God’s future for people that rely on the things of this world? What kinds of attitudes about life and God do you consider foolish or wise? With what does God equate wisdom and understanding?

Psalm 54 – What situation does David face here (See 1 Sam. 23; 26:1-4)? What is the basis for his plea for safety? What descriptive names of God does he use? What does David anticipate?

Psalm 55 – What is going on when David wrote this poem? What does David want from God? What does he want for the enemy? Imagine a friend has betrayed you … What is your reaction? Would you be as confident as David that things would turn out all right?

Psalm 56 – What is happening in verses 1-6 (See 1 Sam. 21:10 through 22:1-2)? Think of situations you’ve been placed in … is there a time when you have felt the tension between fear and trust in God? In what ways has God been gracious to you in the past? What has been your response?

Psalm 57 – What was David’s present circumstances (See 1 Sam. 22:1)? How is God fulfilling His purpose for you? What are qualities of God for which you can praise Him now?

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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The Spiritual Journey Continues Next Through Psalms 52-57

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Mark Shields

I would like to take this time to thank you for reading and liking the posts. This blog started from a small group with just a few followers and now has grown to over 2,550 followers. I’ve found it to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are holding 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 spiritual journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. Tomorrow, I will include Questions for Reflection that will spur 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

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.

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. 

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