Exercise for the Soul

Physical training has great benefits for your present health but it’s the building up of your soul that provides an everlasting gain.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Building up faith
Provides great value
In the present life
And eternal one too.

Spiritual health now
And for the life to come
Keeps the mind upbeat
Avoiding the ho hum!

Like a physical work out,
Exercising belief
Builds muscles for the soul,
Power and relief.

By seeking the Truth,
Neglecting what destroys,
Recognizing wonder,
Experiencing joys.

Being devoted
To what the Way is
With daily scripture,
Prayer and praises.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 10-17-2019
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – 1 Timothy 4:6-16

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Leviticus 16 – 20

This day with God, collect the precious insight gained in His Word. 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. The purpose of this devotional is to help internalize the guiding principles taught from the Bible.

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. Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles at work, at home, and in all we do.

Here is a link to all the devotionals done so far

Index of devotionals

Anyone can join in as we journey together

Also, the concepts presented in God’s Perfect Timing offer ideas for using our time wisely and the lessons of God’s Plan for Us gives a method towards making an impact in the world in which we live.

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable to sharing about God’s word. As I share about my study of the book of Leviticus over the next few weeks, 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 amazing!

Questions for Reflection

Leviticus 16,
How does God appear in the tabernacle? What is the purpose of the incense? To what extent have your sins been banished?

Leviticus 17
Who are the additional recipients of God’s communication in this chapter? What was the purpose of the laws for killing animals for food and sacrifice? What about the relationship of God and His people is revealed in this chapter?

Leviticus 18
What basic areas of life are affected by the commands in today’s chapter? What are the results of obedience? Why must we obey the commands of God?

Leviticus 19
What is the reason underlying all the commands in this chapter? What attitudes are insured by these commands? Do these commands have universal application? Why?

Leviticus 20
What are some penalties for the sins enumerated in the previous chapters? In what ways should Christians be separate? God’s plan is perfect and the question to ask is what needs to change in my choices?

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.  <https://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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Freed by Resurrection Power

In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. – Psalms 41:12

Within the post “Covered Like a Blanket of Snow”, regulations were given to Moses concerning cleanliness. No one alive is perfect and the best way to fill the gap is to humbly accept the truth of Christ. His work on the Cross covers sin like a blanket of snow.

The Holy Spirit lives inside and we have what the song Resurrection Power by Chris Tomlin points out and that makes us free. No longer bound by sin and darkness but living in the light of goodness. 


Index of devotionals

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Covered Like a Blanket of Snow

Reading in Leviticus 15, regulations were given to Moses concerning cleanliness. God is concerned with every detail of our life. His standards for purity are very high so atonement is necessary for all because everyone alive comes in contact with things that are unclean.

Since our bodies are the dwelling place of God and His Spirit lives inside, an unclean man or woman defiles God’s tabernacle. Discharge of bodily fluids from illness like the Flu or cold can infect everything a person touches because germs are passed so washing hands or using hand sanitizer is a necessity.

The world became a broken place with the sin of Adam and Eve. No one alive is perfect and the best way to fill the gap is to humbly accept the truth of Christ. To no longer be bound by sin and darkness but living in the light of goodness. His work on the Cross covers sin like a blanket of snow.

Snow in Waco 2-4-11

This day with You Lord, we accept the fact that because of sin, we all face sickness, hardship, and chaos. We must be honest with ourselves but want to know where we fall short and what we need to do. This day with You will be amazing because just like a blanket of snow that covers the rough spots, Your grace covers the rough spots in life to smooth out a path to our future. Amen

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Purpose of the Church

The church serves a great purpose as the center of information for everything that is good. It is the place for believers to be linked to instruction, direction, and to the power of the Holy Spirit.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Worship

A great purpose
The church does serve
As center of Good News
With truths to preserve.

Linked together
With instruction
And walking together
In one direction.

Rooted in Christ,
God in the flesh
As faith takes hold
And things begin to mesh.

Mixing the mysteries
Of the Spirit
Using His power
That has no limit.

With hope for the future
To flourish with grace
Fulfilling a great purpose
And finishing the race.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 10-10-2019
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – 1 Timothy 3:14 through 4:5

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