Powerful Words

Posted on October 18, 2019 by Mark Shields

We get some powerful words of guidance from 1 Timothy 2:8-15. This poem highlights that the most powerful words to hear are “I Am a Child of God”.

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The picture below was taken a few years ago at the Sadie Robertson Live Original in San Antonio. The picture is of the Christian band “Love & the Outcome”.

Words are powerful
They direct our life
Either building up
Or cutting like a knife.

Encouragement,
Guidance and instruction
Following the Way
In His direction.

Words of life, of truth,
And of great value
Spurring us on
With I love you.

A child of God
Is the Word to hear
Giving a lift
Taking away fear.

Encouraged today
Living with passion
Over and above
What we could imagine.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 09-26-2019
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – 1 Timothy 2:8-15”

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Leviticus 11 – 15

Posted on October 16, 2019 by Mark Shields

I would like take this time to thank all of you my readers. This blog started from a life transformation group several years ago with just a few followers and now has grown to over 1,700 followers. I’ve found it to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are keeping me accountable to daily Bible reading and study.

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 11
What is the general rule for animals and birds allowed for food? What are the reasons for these dietary rules? What is the positive imperative for this passage? Is this imperative still in force today?

Leviticus 12
What are specific rules of hygiene embodied in these instructions? What is the meaning of circumcision (See Gen. 17:9-14)? What observation does this section offer to the assertion that “my private life is my own concern only?

Leviticus 13
What are the hygienic rules of this passage? Who is the examiner? What is the plight of the leper (contrast with 10:6)?

Leviticus 14
What is similar to the ritual described in this passage to the one in chapter 8 of the installation of the priests? What is the significance of the similarity? Are any obligations laid on you as a forgiven sinner?

Leviticus 15
Why is atonement necessary? In what way would the unclean man and woman defile God’s tabernacle? What does this passage reveal about God’s standards for purity?

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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Things Fall in Place Because of Grace

Posted on October 15, 2019 by Mark Shields

The law of the Spirit of life in Christ has made me free from the law of sin and death. – Romans 8:2

The last post “Discern the Best Way”, pointed out how disrespecting God can be hazardous as in the case of the sons of Aaron. They committed an infraction of a ritual and were punished by death. That’s why it is so important to inquire of the Lord for direction and consider all the ramifications of our decisions.

The following short poem is about things falling in place because of grace:

Things fall into place
Because of grace.
Accepting the Savior,
A change in behavior,
Following where He leads,
Doing good deeds,
Accepting the truth,
And teaching our youth;
Learning His ways
And giving Him praise.

Join in the praise of today’s Music video “Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher”. 


Index of devotionals

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Discern the Best Way

Posted on October 14, 2019 by Mark Shields

Reading in Leviticus 10, the sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu disobeyed the Lord when they burned incense in their fire pan and were burned to death. They had committed an infraction of the ritual and punished by death.

We learn in today’s passage that disrespecting God can be extremely hazardous. Instead, we should inquire of the Lord for direction and consider all ramifications of our decisions.

On our journey through life, there will be decisions to make on things like priorities, using our money wisely, and the use of our precious time. What seems to be small becomes big so we should seek to clarify God’s instruction through prayer, ask for direction, and carry them out.

I’m reminded of going to a concert in Frisco Texas a few years ago. We got there with ease but had difficulty on the way back because of exits with no signs. The waze GPS navigation app helped us get through Dallas. The app speaks to you as you drive like Alexa and gives you real time updates like on road hazards and can get you back on track if you miss an exit in the big cities.

The app is not perfect and sometimes it is either late in telling you the exit or it gives you directions that may not be the absolute best route. In these cases, my wife gets mad at the app rather than me.

This day with You Lord, help us in discernment. As we build our lives, help us to build them on the firm foundation of the gospel and follow the map laid out in Your Word. We can get conflicting instruction from the world but when we follow grace and truth, we are anointed by the Spirit to follow the Light. Amen.

 

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Faith and Integrity

Posted on October 11, 2019 by Mark Shields

Faith and integrity work together in our life as weapons in the battle towards victory. Stick to God’s plan for you and bring Him glory.

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Meshing a pure heart
And a good conscience
Douses flaming arrows
Of evil existence.

The truth of the Law
Is our road map
To a destination
Away from the trap.

The grace of God
Provides the fuel
To get us to our
Crown and jewel.

Accepting Jesus
And then carrying out
The activities
The Spirit prods about.

In our daily prayers,
We are shown the Way
To overcome
The problems of each day.

Using the shield of faith,
Helmet of salvation,
Sword of the Spirit,
With grand expectation.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 09-19-2019
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – 1 Timothy 1:18 through 2:7”

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