Questions for Reflection for Study of Leviticus 26 – 27

Posted on December 18, 2019 by Mark Shields

We are nearing the end of our journey through the book of Leviticus. We have only two more chapters to go. We will continue to be focused on the purpose of this blog as we continue to use it in helping us to apply His Word in our life.  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 26
In what ways will the Israelites be guarded against idolatry if they keep the Sabbath? What is the progression of the calamities which will result if the Israelites disobey? What are the rewards of following God’s plan for us?

Leviticus 27
What things can we dedicate to the Lord by a vow? What belongs to the Lord outright? How are promises to the Lord meant to maintain Israel’s holiness?

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.

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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Tell Your Story

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Mark Shields

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. -Proverbs 22:9

A point made in the post “Attitude of Generosity” is that everything belongs to God. We are stewards of what He has given us and as good stewards, we should give a part of what He has blessed us with to help the poor.

Like the song When Love Sees You (Jesus) by Mac Powell, do good works and be blessed. Tell your story and this will inspire others by sharing how God has made an impact in your life. In turn, your life will impact the world in which you live. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

 

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Attitude of Generosity

Posted on December 16, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God will be amazing because of what God has blessed us with. This inspires us to give, serve, and worship Him by following what His Word says to change the world for the better. Leading up to historical record documented in Leviticus 25, we know about the past history as God gave the Israelites the land of Canaan when they were freed from Egypt.

God maintained ownership of the land but the Israelites were the stewards of the land. The Word states that the land must not be ravaged but have a year of rest every 7th year just as people would have a day of rest on the 7th day called the Sabbath. There would be no harvesting or selling of produce on the 7th year. Whatever the land produced from the perfect combination of rain and sunshine on this 7th year would be enough for their food.

Then they were to count off 49 (7×7) years and the 50th year would be the year of jubilee. The original clan who managed the land would return to their property and servants were released to freedom in the year of jubilee. God the Creator who owns everything would send blessings so that the land would yield enough food for three years. They were not only blessed enough to supply their own need of food but also enough for the poor.

These same concepts in today’s reading should apply in current times. The concepts of rest, liberty, and redemption are important for healthy living today. Our attitude toward the poor should be to help them by setting aside a percentage of what we are blessed with for their needs.

The photo below was taken at the church I attend. It is at a Feed My Starving Children event and we are hand-packing meals for starving children around the world.

Service for a good cause or as a volunteer may require some sacrifice but there is a good feeling afterwards. Kind of like exercise, we may not feel like getting started but always feel better once it is done. The greatest feeling is making a difference in the world in which we live.

This day with You Lord, we ask that we not get caught up in materialism but have the attitude that all things belong to You. Help us today be a good steward of what You have blessed us with and give a part of it to those in need. Our giving is a celebration of what You have blessed us with and is a joyous experience because we are playing our role in making the world a better place. Amen.

 

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Worship Live Today 12-15-209

Posted on December 15, 2019 by Mark Shields

Helping with tech team today to bring  worship service live on facebook. First Methodist Waco is live each Sunday at 9:30 & 10:50.  Also, past sermons are available at this link.

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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Sure Victory in Life

Posted on December 13, 2019 by Mark Shields

Each generation has different needs and they can help each other by sharing thoughts, ideas, writing about them, giving suggestions, and relating experiences that can assist everyone as they go through life. This poem inspired by Titus 2 of the Bible offers encouragement because of the sure victory we have in Christ. You are loved by the Father and you are of so much value that He sent His Son to die on the Cross for you so you can flourish now and forever.

Today is my daughter’s 21st birthday. It doesn’t seem that long ago when I was reading to her in this photo.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Each generation
Within societies
Have different needs
And priorities.

Each can help another
By sharing ideas,
Giving suggestions,
Knowing what the key is.

Assisting in life,
Being determined
And passionate
About faith for certain.

Sharing about
The sure victory
Christ gave on the Cross
To gain our liberty.

From generation
To generation
If the lessons are taught,
We have a good shot.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 11-21-2019
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – Titus 2”

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