Ultimate Destination Beyond our Imagination

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Mark Shields

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – James 1:19

A take away as explained in the post “Keep Focusing on the Destination” is to obey God’s Word and submit to the authority of this Word along with the authority of God’s appointed leaders in government, in the work place, or within a family.

The Lord gave the people reassurance of His love and guidance by instructing Moses to have the Israelites make tassels on the corners of their garments with a blue cord on each tassel which would remind them to submit to the Lord’s authority.

Today, there are many ways to remind us of God’s authority and leadership. One way is in music like the song I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe. Use this song today to remind of the ultimate destination beyond our imagination. 
 

 

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Keep Focusing on the Destination

Posted on June 4, 2020 by Mark Shields

The Israelites were having difficulty on the journey to the Promised Land and the journey through life for us is not always easy either. As we read Numbers 15, we strive this day with God to focus on what matters so that we know the way to our eternal destiny and that our legacy is to hand off these spiritual resources to future generations.

Reading in verses 1-2, God anticipates the younger generation of the Israelites to ultimately reach the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey. Three occasions call for a burnt offering to the Lord. For known sins committed, for sins committed that were unintended, and for offerings of thanks when they reach their ultimate destination.

Later in this passage, the Lord gives the people reassurance of His love and guidance in verses 37-41. He told Moses to speak to the Israelites about making tassels on the corners of their garments with a blue cord on each tassel for the purpose of reminding them to keep the commands of the Lord. To obey and submit to the His authority and to the authority of His appointed leaders.

After graduating from college, I took a few weeks to travel through Europe. The photo below is of a quant village in the Swiss apps.

Even to this day, I’ve always thought that this is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. But even so, this photo reminds me to focus on a day when I will enter an even more amazing destination which is beyond what could ever be imagined.

Much of our life is directed by the low standards of this world rather than God’s higher standard. If we pay attention to the world, disorder expands to fill the void of human failure. Success is then defined by lofty incomes, nice cars, or an expensive house. But if we pay attention to God with His vast spiritual assets like faith, hope, and love, then order will fill the void with greatness!

This day with You Lord, help us to put our attention on what You have done in the past and what we expect You to do in the future. If we can focus more on You Lord, everything else will work. We will be organized, we will prioritize, and reorder our day with Your plan so we can step ahead with a purpose in every step. Amen.

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Accept the Help

Posted on June 3, 2020 by Mark Shields

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

The take away as explained in the post “Trust in Divine Power” is to trust God always. Failing to trust God brings on a greater problem than the original problem.

Caleb and Joshua understood the advantages of having God on their side. They understood that they were touched by divine power and protected from enemies.

We should have the same mindset today. Let us be one in Christ and inspired by today’s song Lead Me by Sanctus Real. This day with God, accept the divine power to lead in the right direction. 
 

 

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Trust in Divine Power

Posted on June 2, 2020 by Mark Shields

This day with God will be amazing because things fall into place because of His grace. Because of the Savior, there is a change in behavior; following where He leads and doing good deeds; accepting the truth and teaching our youth; learning His ways and giving Him praise.

Reading in Numbers 14, most of the people responded negatively to the report about Canaan. The slanderous report given by those who said it would be impossible to enter the Promised Land. They continued to rebel and complain about their situation in the wilderness and the upcoming challenge to overcome the giants in Canaan.

There was an uprising with the people. Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb were with the Lord and believed in His power but the others rebelled. God was furious and wanted to bring judgment on those going against Him. To strike the others down and destroy them but Moses pleaded with God to forgive the people.

God spared them but as punishment, the nation of Israel would end up wandering in the wilderness for forty years therefore the older generation never entered the Promised Land. So it turns out that ten of those sent to explore Canaan died in the wilderness because of their evil report they delivered.

On the other hand, Joshua and Caleb were among those who explored Canaan and gave back a good report. They understood the advantages of having God on their side. They understood that they were touched by divine power and were protected from enemies. They along with their descendants would eventually make it to the Promised Land.

Let us also trust in divine power instead of the lie the world tells us. Accept the obvious as truth, accept the help of Christ, and work with others who have the same faith. This day with God, factor in His amazing and unseen qualities, pray, and step ahead to a successful day.

This day with You Lord, we are praying now for the steps to take toward a successful day. We trust in Your divine power to get us to where we want to be. The teachings from Your Word offers road signs to the sure Way that has been proven over and over throughout history to provide directions to where we need to go. Amen.

 

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Numbers 14-19

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, we’ve shared some thoughts and ideas from the journey through the book of Numbers.

A take away from the post “All People Working Together“ is that all age groups are needed in any church or organization. The wisdom of the experienced and the energy of the young are needed because each can do what they do best to contribute to God’s plan for us.

Brought out in the post “Guided by His Word”, the Lord wanted the Israelites to celebrate their deliverance from Egypt with a Passover meal. He gave instructions on this celebration. As we journey through life, the same is true for us as we pray and listen to the Lord for instructions.

The lesson for us in the post “Setting Out Along the Journey” is the need to get away from the comfort zone and trust God even when we have some apprehension. When He prompts us to get going, trust in the Lord to take us to places beyond our wildest dreams.

The Israelites had witnessed great miracles but it didn’t last long. As pointed out in the post “Praise Always”, they began to complain soon after their journey in the desert. The same can happen to us as we get hit with negative thoughts and this post offers an idea to help.

In the post “Step Ahead Each Day“, pointed out was that Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses. Perhaps some envy was in their thoughts. Envy can result in criticism but remain confident because nothing can stop us along the journey if we are going the way God has set before us.

It’s hard at times to see how some difficulties can be overcome. But friend, as pointed out in the post “Alleviate Doubt by Reaching Out”, God can make the impossible possible. There are giants we face in life like financial, health, and relationship issues that make us doubt. They take away our confidence but God is big enough to overcome these doubts. 

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable in sharing about God’s word over the next few weeks. As I share about my study, it’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Christ as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with God amazing!

Questions for Reflection

Numbers 14
How do most of the people respond to the bad report from those sent to explore Canaan? What does God want to do to the people? What is Moses’ response? What is the basic differences between Caleb and Joshua and the rest of the Israelites?

Numbers 15
What does God anticipate for the people in verses 1-2? What three occasions call for a burnt offering to the Lord? How does the Lord give the people reassurance of His love and guidance in verses 37-41? How are you reminded today of the commandments of God?

Numbers 16
Who are involved in the two groups demonstrating against Moses? What are their charges? What happens to the rebel groups?

Numbers 17
What is God’s purpose in having Aaron’s rod sprout and bear almonds? Why do the people need this evidence now? How can you avoid both extremes of refusing God’s authority and thinking you have no hope at all?

Numbers 18
For what are Aaron and his sons responsible? What are the Levites responsible for? What are Aaron and his sons to receive from the people? What are the Levites to receive from the people? What do you feel is the responsibility God has given you in building up the kingdom?

Numbers 19
What is the purpose of the procedure in verses 1-10 (relate to 5:1; 16:49)? Project the kind of incidents in which the people will have to make use of this offering (see 13:27-30)? How are we cleansed today?

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 or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God. 

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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