Questions for Reflection for Study of Deuteronomy 30-34

Posted on February 14, 2021 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.

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

Posted on February 13, 2021 by Mark Shields

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

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Mark Shields

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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Focus on the Cross

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Mark Shields

Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods. Rather, worship the LORD your God; it is He who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies. – 2 Kings 17:38-39

The post “Focus on the Covenant” gave us a lesson on the importance of finding ways to internalize our faith so it becomes a part of our character. Thoughts of good values and lessons learned can be gained by following Christ.

Some ways to internalize our faith is to read God’s Word, observe or listen to others, through art, and music. We exercise our faith to gain faith muscles with each lesson learned building on the other to make us stronger and stronger.

Like in the song Christ in Me by Jeremy Camp, the world can be a bore but you deserve so much more so chase after the Master and make His way your core.  Keep focused on the Cross gaining faith in everything as you go about your day and give praise to Christ the King.

Index of devotionals

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Focus on the Covenant

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Mark Shields

This day with God, we put our attention on Deuteronomy 29 as we orderly go through the Word of God documenting our thoughts and ideas in this blog. Today, we read that Moses reminds the people about what God has done for them in the past. He had led them out of bondage from Egypt, parting the Red Sea, providing food as they wondered through the wilderness, and victories over their enemies.

A covenant of the Lord was made with the people. If they followed the covenant, they would be blessed with everything they needed and with the great wonders of God. They would be protected from their enemies, and gain victories because God would set things up for them to easily win their battles.

But they would be cursed if they did not follow the covenant and turned away from God toward idol worship. This would be like planting an evil seed in their heart that ultimately would produce sorrow and pain. It would grow to take root and produce bitterness.

A lesson for us today is that it is easy to have negatives that enter into our thoughts like doubt, fear, and distress. The lesson is about not just going through the motions, giving lip service, or simply looking good on the outside but finding ways to internalize our faith so it becomes a part of our character.

That’s why it is so important to regularly read the Word, document the lessons learned and organize these lessons so they can be applied throughout life and shared with others. These documented lessons become a treasure that last forever. Rather than nice furniture, nice cars, or expensive clothing that eventually begins to decline in value, the treasure you produce will gain in value over time.

Thoughts of good values and lessons learned can be gained by reading God’s Word, observing or listening to others, through music, art, and nature. These thoughts are like faith muscles and each good value gained or lesson learned builds on the other to make us stronger and stronger.

The picture of the Cross below was taken at my nieces wedding. The cross binds us to God and binds two together in a marriage. The cross also binds a community together and the result is a society that flourishes because everyone is applying the principles taught by Christ.

This day with You Lord, help us to focus on the Cross. The lessons You teach will lead us to a future with new eyes and help us to be the people we need to be with a greater vision that opens the door to an awesome future. Amen

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