Songs to Encourage

Posted on February 18, 2021 by Mark Shields

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6

The main take away from the post “Confidence and Courage for Our Battles” is that you can rely on the Word as your guide, write down the steps of action, and use songs to encourage.

Moses and Joshua wrote down a song to communicate God’s message and we do the same today with songs like Battle is the Lord’s by Rebecca St. James featuring Brandon Lake. God is in control so take courage in the fight as you step ahead with boldness because with God by your side, everything will turn out alright.

Index of devotionals

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Confidence and Courage for Our Battles

Posted on February 17, 2021 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – Bing Images

Moses speaks well of Joshua as a man of courage in Deuteronomy 31:1-29 who could lead them for the future.  Moses was up in age and the most pressing concerns for Moses before his death was who would finish leading the people to the Promised Land.

They needed a leader to give confidence and courage for their battles. Joshua was chosen to take over the leadership. He would cross over the Jordan River into the Promised Land and the Lord would go also to set things up for them to take over the land.

Another concern was the people turning away from God, not obeying the law, and following idols. Moses tells his people to have courage because there is victory with God.

To make sure the people followed the law, Moses wrote down the law and gave it to the Levitical priests for safe keeping.

The law would be read every seven years at the Festival of Tabernacles to refresh their minds in the Word of God and share with others so they would gain confidence and be encouraged to win their battles.

The take away from today’s passage is to rely on the Word as our guide, write down the steps of action, and use poems or songs to encourage. God is in control so we can take courage in the fight as we step ahead with boldness because with God by our side, everything will turn out alright.

This day with You Lord, we put our trust in You. We have confidence and courage to step ahead to new heights because You will set things up for our future. We are not anxious because You will fight for us. We can take on our fears head on knowing that You have our back. We are patiently letting Your mystery work things out in Your precious time as we continue our climb. Amen.

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His Love is the Reason

Posted on February 16, 2021 by Mark Shields

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

Posted on February 15, 2021 by Mark Shields

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

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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