Everything for His Glory

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Mark Shields

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken – Psalm 16:8

The post, “Focus on What is Important to God” is about Micah prophesizing judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem. The people during that time were focused more on what was important to them rather than on what was important to God.

This day with God, let us fix our eyes on everything that’s important to Him. Take inspiration from the song Fix My Eyes by King & Country.

Love like I’m not scared
Give when it’s not fair
Live life for another
Take time for a brother
Fight for the weak ones
Speak out for freedom
Find faith in the battle
Stand tall but above it all 


Index of devotionals

 

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Focus on What is Important to God

Posted on June 4, 2019 by Mark Shields

God is characterized as all powerful in verses 1-7 of Micah 1. As stated in verse 4,

The mountains melt beneath Him
   and the valleys split apart,
 like wax before the fire,
   like water rushing down a slope. 

The word of the Lord comes to Micah and as a prophet he is delivering a vision of God’s judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem because of their sin.

God speaks in various ways like visions, dreams, life’s circumstances, and through other people. In this case, the Word of God is how the message comes to us and as a prophet, Micah delivers to us the need to focus on what is important to God.

I’m reminded of when my daughter played soft ball. Here’s a photo of her batting and the umpire ready to call balls and strikes. Micah in today’s passage is like the umpire calling balls and strikes. As we reflect on our life, we should determine if we are taking our swings at things in the strike zone or on things outside the strike zone.

God’s opinion is the only one that counts so concentrate on what is important to God. When we do, we are swinging at things in the strike zone. When we see what is important to God, we should swing at it as hard as we can. Don’t get down if you swing and miss but keep trying to make solid contact.

Lord, we daily come to You in prayer in humbleness knowing that You control all things. You are the ONE who has the power to melt mountains and split valleys apart.  Help us to focus on what is important to You. We put You first today ahead of our past issues, our current circumstances, and our future worries. We have peace today because of Jesus and this helps us keep our eye on what is important. You will align our heart so we know what matters most to You and can step ahead towards Your plan for our life with a purpose in every step. Amen.

 

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Micah

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Mark Shields

We live in a very busy world with busy schedules so this devotional blog has been created to help with regular Bible reading and study even in the midst of these busy times. Here is a link to “Questions for Reflection” to help stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles at work, at home, and in all we do.

Here is a link of all the devotionals done so far so a person can join in at any time and read some thoughts as we journey together. The devotional also offers ideas for using time wisely at this link and at this link is a plan 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 Micah of 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 with God amazing!

Questions for Reflection

Micah 1
How is God characterized in verses 1-7? What can God do to nature when He judges? What can He do to cities? What authority does the prophet have to give his message?

Micah 2
What do those who abuse their power do? How should we respond to them? What promises does the Lord make?

Micah 3
What are the characteristics of the leadership of Israel during the time of Micah?  Do we have leadership in current times similar to the time of Micah? Explain the similarities. What can you do to fulfill your responsibility to warn leaders about the hazards of bad leadership? How can you fight back against bad leaders?

Micah 4
What are God’s plans for the “last days”?  To what extent is your group or nation trying to pattern its progress according to verses 3-4? Do you think it will succeed?

Micah 5
What type of leadership is promised? In what will the people trust for their strength? What is the basis of your confidence about yourself and life?

Micah 6
What does God desire of you? What is the central cause of Israel’s separation from God? In what ways is your life directed by the standards of the world rather than by God’s standards?

Micah 7
What happened to human relationships? What is Micah’s attitude toward God while in a sinful society? What should be your attitude and your response?

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.

Photo Credit : consultinggrad.com

 

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/>.
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Comfort for the Downcast

Posted on May 31, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God, experience beneficial character building by maintaining optimism in difficult times. God may bring comfort through the kindness of another person or inspire with a glorious sunrise, sunset or rainbow.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

The pictures below shows a morning back in 2015 with snow on the ground. The next photo is from the same office on the same day looking out the same window showing a sunny and clear day.

Afternoon

God brings comfort
For the downcast
Turning a bad day
Into a blast.

Just as the weather
In Texas changes
From extremes that seem
Almost outrageous.

In a matter of hours
So can our outlook
Be uplifted
From the Good Book.

We can go through
A bad day at work
But the Good News
Gives us a perk.

Bringing comfort
And inspiration
With optimism
For all Creation.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 05-16-2019

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Turn the Intangibles of Faith into Tangible Good Deeds

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Mark Shields

Plant good seeds and the good food of the Spirit will bring rich blessings. Continue the sense of wonder the gospel offers for you daily and share with others. The enthusiasm will be contagious and the harvest will be plentiful. – Galatians 6:10

The post “Power in You” is about Paul’s advice to the Corinthians before his third visit. He tells them to aim for perfection, to listen, be of one mind, and live in peace.

By letting God’s power work in our life, we can turn the intangibles of faith into tangible good deeds.

Every great cause, first began as a dream. God has a purpose for our life and we can participate in the greatness and power of God.

Take inspiration from the song Do Something by Matthew West. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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