Special Days

Posted on July 20, 2020 by Mark Shields

This special day with God will be amazing because we are making every day count. We are reading the Bible, praying, and sharing with others about our journey. Today we are reading in Numbers 28-29 about special days that require offerings.

Israel had to bring the right sacrifices at the right time so the Lord would bless them. The special days highlighted in this passage are the Sabbath, New Moon (first day of every month), Passover (Jan. 14-21), Unleavened Bread (15-21 of each month), Festival of Weeks (First Fruits), Festival of Trumpets (July 1), Day of Atonement (July 10), Festival of Tabernacles (July 15 – 22).

There is tremendous detail in the preparation of these offerings in order to please God. Detail in what offerings are given, when they are given, and how they are given. The reason for these offerings is in preparing the heart for worship. We can be grateful that Jesus fulfills all of these offerings.

Each day is a special day to offer God our best. By accepting Christ in our heart, we can enthusiastically live with purpose, spur each other on, and have genuine concern for each other. We can marvel at the things around us, worship with songs of praise, and find excitement right where we are.

Many times we think the exciting things in life are far away but excitement might be right in your back yard. A sunset, a sunrise, wildlife, or birds in the sky. One special sunny day, we went downtown for an afternoon right in my hometown. Below is a photo.

Because of Magnolia Market at the Silos, tourism has picked up in Waco which is a city of about 120,000 population situated between Austin and Dallas. It had been a while since I had been downtown and was pleasantly surprised by all the new stores and entertainment venues. Sometimes an afternoon spent right where you are can be enjoyed more than going to some faraway place spending much time and money.

Lord, this day we are making it count. We’ve started with Your Word, we are sharing with others about how to apply Your Word, and we offer now this prayer. We want to have prepared hearts looking forward to fulfilling our purpose today and our future with enthusiasm by following Jesus. Amen.

 

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In the Footsteps of the Savior’s Shadow

Posted on July 17, 2020 by Mark Shields

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. – 1 Peter 1:18-19

As brought out in the post “The Next Generation”, Joshua had been in the shadow of Moses since he was a young man. He had learned from Moses over the years and gained the experience needed to take over as leader of the Israelites.

It’s the same with us as we accept the invitation to follow Christ. Here’s a song about being in our leaders shadow who guides us along the journey Savior’s Shadow by Blake Shelton. 
 

 

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The Next Generation

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Mark Shields

Reading in Numbers 27, plans were given for inheritance and succession of leadership for the next generation. If a man dies with no children, his inheritance was to be given to his nearest relative. As far as succession of leadership, Moses had prepared Joshua to take over.

At a young age, Joshua had been the aid to Moses. He was in the shadow of Moses learning how to be leader. He was one who explored the Promised Land and stood up for Moses and Aaron when the people were going against them. He was chosen along with Caleb to make it to the Promised Land but the other fighting men over the age of twenty at time would never make it.

Moses was coming to the end of his life and it was time to hand over the leadership to Joshua so he was commissioned in the presence of Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly as Moses laid his hands on Joshua. Moses told the people that Joshua had the authority and ability to lead them.

Learning from others and the experience we gain helps us in life to handle issues. Each of us has the chance to learn from our greatest helper the Holy Spirit as we learn from the Word, pray for the right actions, and obey the teachings of Jesus.

The photo below is of my dad on the far left along with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. The greatest resources we can hand off to future generations is our Christian values.

Lord, the journey can be burdensome but if we follow You we will get to our destination. We accept Your plan of grace, to be nourished by Your Word, and to always seek Your guidance. Just as Moses handed off leadership to Joshua, we seek ways to hand off what we learn along the journey to future generations. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

 

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The Steps to an Amazing Future

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Mark Shields

And the Words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. – Psalm 12:6

The post “Mining for Valuable Resources”, has thoughts about the 2nd census taken in order to assign each tribe’s inheritance when they entered the Promised Land. Buried in this reading are valuable resources in following God’s instruction.

It teaches us to put our thoughts upon what He says and to follow the proper steps to an amazing future. Let us take inspiration from the song Lead Me by Sanctus Real.


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Mining for Valuable Resources

Posted on July 14, 2020 by Mark Shields

Reading in Numbers 26, another census was taken in order to assign each tribe’s inheritance when they entered the Promised Land. The tribes that had lost the most men where the ones who rebelled against the Lord. Many died in earthquakes, fires, plagues, and other adversities from the harsh living conditions in the wilderness.

Even though over 600,000 fighting men had died since taking the first census 38 years ago compared to the one recorded in today’s passage, there were still 601,730 fighting men available. This new generation had withstood the harsh living conditions and with God’s help, multiplied even in the years of difficulty through the wilderness.

Tucked into this reading are small notes of history to demonstrate that God fulfills His promises. He works in the background bringing about His long-range purposes. Today’s passage teaches us to put our thoughts upon what He says and follow the proper steps. If we do, we will flourish but if we do not follow His instructions, the consequences can be devastating.

So as we continue our journey, let us read God’s Word as though we are mining for valuable resources. Let us listen for instructions, document how to apply our faith, and be in constant prayer. The photo below was taken in Virginia City Nevada. It’s an old mining town depicted on the TV show “Bonanza” which lasted 14 years from 1959 through 1973.

Within God’s Word is silver and gold useful in providing encouragement, enthusiasm, and advice. Let us pray now and develop a game plan with God. We have faith because we will take in lessons from His Word and do the right things that will lead to success. 

Lord, we need guidelines in our living and the best ones are found in the Bible. We read Your Word which has a treasure of information on how to best journey through life. You are at work for all who come to You for direction. Today, we ask for guidance in having the right priorities, for following the right instructions, and to meet adversity with a plan to overcome. Lead us into the amazing future You have prepared for us. Amen.

 

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