His Love is the Reason

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2

The post “Reason for Believing” was about how loving the Lord your God gives real meaning to life. By turning to the Lord with all your heart and soul, obeying, and following His perfect will in your life, you are assured of a great destiny. You will flourish in the future and your days will overflow with joy.

The song Reason by Unspoken gives inspiration as you step ahead. The Lord will put a hunger in your heart, put a fire in your soul, and His love is the reason to keep on believing.

Index of devotionals

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Reason for Believing

The Lord will put a hunger in your heart and put a fire in your soul. This day will be amazing because we have a purpose as we read chapter Deuteronomy 30. There is a reason for believing in the ONE true God and following His way as we fulfill our great destiny which overflows with blessings.

The difference between life and death as promised in today’s chapter is that life with God brings blessings, peace, joy, and prosperity. We love the Lord and walk in obedience keeping His commands, decrees, and laws. For our obedience, the Lord will bless our life and bring a destiny of paradise within our grasp.

Turning to the Lord each day brings a fresh beginning. Day by day we are committed to reading His Word so we are primed to take in His plan for us and carry out the instructions received. He will set things up for us to overcome what holds us back. 

Today, we are ready to step ahead of our enemy who promotes corruption, sickness, racism, and division. The Lord will put curses on those who follow the enemy but bless those who follow His way using the weapons of faith, hope, and love to bring prosperity.

This day with You Lord, we have a reason for believing. It is a sometimes difficult but adventurous mission but this mission can change the world and we can be confident because you are with us. Amen.

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Deuteronomy 30-34

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.

Deuteronomy 30 – What is the difference between life and death as promised in today’s chapter? What brings a good life as promised in today’s chapter? How can we take hold of fresh beginnings that God promises? What brings death and destruction?

Deuteronomy 31:1-29 – What is Moses’ most pressing concerns before his death? Who would take over as leader? Why, do you think, is the law read every seven years?

Deuteronomy 31:30-32:25 – In what ways is this song a reflection of the total meaning of Deuteronomy? How did the people respond to God’s love? How can we avoid similar folly today? What are some ideas for responding to God’s love in a positive way?

Deuteronomy 32:26-52 – For what reason does God limit the power of the foolish nation over Israel? For what reasons will God preserve a remnant of Israel? What is the basis of your hope of preservation? Why, do you think, does God emphasize the reason Moses cannot go into the Promised Land?

Deuteronomy 33 – What is the similarities or differences between the Lord’s appearing with a sunrise in Sinai? In what ways is God unique? In what ways does your assurance of your relationship with God affect the attitudes and actions of your daily living?

Deuteronomy 34 – What is Israel’s response to Moses’ death and Joshua’s new leadership? What do you see as the greatest qualities of Moses? How has the study of Deuteronomy added to your values?

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.

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Spiritual Journey Through Deuteronomy 21-29

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been reading and sharing some thoughts from the study of Deuteronomy 21-29. The Bible is all about gaining wisdom because we are learning from the past, praying in the present, and listening for instructions toward the future.

We are fighting one common enemy; the devil who likes war, corruption, and sickness. On the other hand, God likes peace, righteousness, and health and as pointed out in the post “The Ripple Effect of Building Faith”, this all begins at home in the family unit.

The post “Planting Good Seeds” emphasized the need to take in what is good for your Spirit. Then the fruits of the Spirit will give power to step ahead in your everyday life with your family and neighbors.

A take away from the post “Stepping Ahead in Obedience” is that the first fruit and tithe was an acknowledgement of God’s past help and continual care for the future. He had provided for them as they went from being oppressed in Egypt to receiving the wealth of the Promised Land.

We contend with inner battles each day. Things like hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in our life that lead to failure. As brought out in the post “Doing What Makes Us Victorious”, God has a His plan for us but effort is needed to execute the plan properly.

The post “Endless Possibilities” inspires you to imagine a world in when God’s plan and direction is followed. A world in which there is a desire to listen and gain wisdom from the Word. A world in which you to reflect on failures as lessons learned and ask God for help. A world in which you go to God for direction each day and think of the possibilities.

Lessons on the importance of finding ways to internalize our faith was shared in the post “Focus on the Covenant”. Thoughts of good values and lessons learned can be gained by following Christ. When we internalize our faith, it becomes a part of our character.

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 in current times.

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Journey of Faith

This poem inspires us to step ahead in faith by letting God work out the details that will prove to our minds what the eyes can’t see and the results will be missions accomplished

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Peace comes by acceptance
 Knowing that we belong 
 Because we have a faith 
 That makes us grow strong
  
 With faith we step ahead 
 And keep on going 
 Because when times are tough
 There is no slowing
  
 Step ahead on this walk 
 God will work it out 
 The details will come
 And remove all doubt
  
 As prove to our minds 
 What the eyes can’t see
 Faith will enter in
 To show what we can be
  
 We build momentum
 In what we’re becoming
 With faith in the promise
 Of what is forthcoming 

Poem by Mark Shields – © 02-11-2021

Inspired by “Journey of Faith

Photo – The picture was taken on a trip I took to Europe after graduating from college. The coliseum in Rome is thought by many to be a site of the martyrdom of large numbers of believers during the persecution of Christians…

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