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Accept One Another

Posted on June 21, 2022 by Mark Shields

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God – Romans 15:7

The post “Sympathy” had some thoughts about reacting to people going through difficulties like Job was going through. We can’t see the heart and we don’t know the reasons for their problems so we shouldn’t assume that they are being punished by God.

We should accept one another because all who say yes to Christ as Savior are received by God as the song Forgiven by Crowder points out. This day with God, let us bring praise.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Acceptance, Devotionals | Tagged Acceptance, Devotional, Encouragement, Forgiveness, Grace, Music, Praise, Sympathy, Unity, Worship | 1 Comment

Sympathy

Posted on June 20, 2022 by Mark Shields

There is one common thread that binds us; the power of Christ in what we believe and how we live. This day, let us accept the stream of grace that keeps flowing and have sympathy for those in need. That brings us together as we start our day with reflection. Today, we are reading Job 15 and reflecting in order to gain lessons that we can apply in life.

We note that Eliphaz criticizes Job but as learned earlier in our study of this book, he doesn’t understand why Job is going through the problems before him. Job became a target of Satan because Satan believed that God gave Job all he had but God knew who Job was so he allowed Job to be tested. Satan was allowed to cause bad to happen to Job so Job lost his family, his livestock, and his property. Then, he is afflicted with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head (Job 3:7).

In a deep state of despair, Job is going through anguish and misery. Eliphaz makes the mistake of seeing Job in this difficulty and thinking he is being punished by God. Like Eliphaz, we can’t see the heart of someone else. What we should assume is that everyone is forgiven and accepted by God through the love of Christ.

Eliphaz believes the wicked suffer but is that really true? In this world, it seems that sinful activities do not bring suffering but many times bring short term gain to some as they live out their time on earth in luxury, fame, or wealth.

What is essential to know is that the gain is only in the short term. Moral shortcuts were taken to gain rewards during their earthly life but they end up not getting to the final destination. To get to the final destination, there is only one way and that is to accept and follow Jesus.

This day with You Lord, we set out to build up and encourage. We want to unify around Your winning game plan in which grace has entered in. We accept Your mercy and the blood of Christ sets us free. Amen.

Posted in Acceptance, Bible Study | Tagged Acceptance, Bible Study, Encouragement, Forgiveness, Grace, Photo, Prayer, Sympathy | 3 Comments

Poetry Friday 6-17-2022

Posted on June 17, 2022 by Mark Shields

Today’s poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the post “Count on It”. We can count on the promises of the Old Testament to be fulfilled in the New Testament. That’s Good News for all.

The world shifts and changes but as in the song Solid As The Rock by Avalon, our faith is solid as a rock.

Posted in Poems | Tagged Encouragement, Integrity, Photo, Poetry, Promises, Purpose, Truth | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of Job 15-20

Posted on June 16, 2022 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 work, at home, and in all we do.

Job 15 – Are you in sympathy with Job or Eliphaz after verses 1-6? Why? What argument would you use to refute Eliphaz in verses 12-16? Does your experience bear out Eliphaz’s dogma about the wicked (See Job’s experience in 9:24)? Have you unconsciously inherited a dogma that doesn’t fit the facts of life?

Job 16 – How does Job counter the accusations of Eliphaz (Especially 15:2-6)? How would you describe Job’s despair? What does Job seek in his predicament?

Job 17 – What is the state of Job’s physical body (See Chapter 16)? What is the state of Job’s spirit (See Chapter 7:11)? How does verse 6 show that Job will not find what he wants among men?

Job 18 – What is Bildad’s explanation for Job’s frustration (See 1-4)? What metaphors are used to illustrate the ruin of the wicked? How can these metaphors, from a different point of view, illustrate the life of the righteous? To what extent does your mood determine how you view a given situation?

Job 19 – What does Job think is the source of his troubles? What is the attitude of Job’s family and friends? What is Job’s emotional tone before and after verse 23?

Job 20 – What theme does Zophar reiterate? What illustrations does he use this time? To what extent are these metaphors fulfilled in our current society? What should we focus on during our lifetime?

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.

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/>.

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.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Questions for Reflection | Tagged Bible Study, Christ, Faith, God’s Plan, Holy Spirit, Hope, Leadership, Lessons, Life, Love, Prayer, Reflection, Scripture | 1 Comment

Spiritual Journey Through Job 8-14

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in the book of Job 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 by Christ Jesus.

A major thought from “Three Dimensional Thinking” is that we can study a certain field, learn from history, or from experience but we are limited as humans. Only the Trinity provides three dimensional thinking with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We can follow the Word and trust the guidance for each of our steps into the future.

The post “Antidote to Despair” makes the point that everyone who believes in what the gospel clearly explains and accepts God’s Son as their Savior has a protective antidote to despair.

Life is frustrating and we sometimes jump to false conclusions like Job did when he thought God was out to get him as explained in the post “The Perfect Place”. We may complain at times like Job but let us remain faithful because of Jesus who represents us and fights for us.

Our faith keeps pushing us along to better days ahead as emphasized in “Renewed Day by Day” and hope keeps bringing light even in darkness. The gleaming rays of a morning sunrise cheers us on; giving us the assurance of a brighter days ahead.

A prescription to frustration as discussed in “Physician for the Soul” is taking in God’s Word, praying, and listening to the Spirit. This prescription for the soul will provide more peace and joy in your life.

Written about in “Fixer Upper”, Job believes life is not fair and there is only death to look forward to. Even though life is tough at times, we have the advantage today in knowing what Christ has done on the cross. We know that this life on earth is not all there is and there’s another one prepared for us which is eternal.

Keep up with my spiritual journey over the next few weeks either through following this blog or the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Let’s share thoughts or ideas about applying our faith so we step ahead along the path to victory.