Road to Somewhere

Posted on October 7, 2019 by Mark Shields

The purpose for the ritual described in Leviticus 8 is to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests. The whole community witnessed the ceremony where an animal was slaughtered for atonement of sins. Fluids like water, oil, and blood were also used to consecrate the altar.

The purpose for Christ being crucified was to consecrate all Christians for the purpose of ministry. Christ had all the power available but divested it to the twelve disciples and then to us all as believers to share the gospel message because the message is more important than the messenger.

So followers of Christ have been consecrated just like the priest in today’s passage and the qualities expected include following the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we are going full steam ahead in life pursuing things with little meaning but when we are going after and sharing God’s plan for us, we have a mission that makes a big impact.

Lord, we are not going down the road to nowhere. We have chosen to go down the straight and narrow path that leads somewhere. We thank You for the opportunity to accomplish the mission You have given. By accepting your plan and purpose for our life, we are confident that we will make it to the finish line victorious. Amen.

 

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Truth and Power

Posted on October 4, 2019 by Mark Shields

This poem is inspired from 1 Timothy 1:1-17. The relationship of Paul and Timothy as described is like a father to a son. Paul left him at Ephesus to contend with the false teachers who were deceptive and had their own interest in mind. The thought received is that love is produced from a pure heart that is filled with faith and wants others to succeed.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

False doctrine taught
For personal wealth
Instead of the TRUTH
For spiritual health

Those who deceive
With own interest in mind
Gain for themselves but
Leave others behind

The TRUTH of the Word
Gives direction in life
The power to change
And overcome strife

A pure heart of love
Along with faith and hope
Gives much more than
Just how to cope

With the power of love
From Maker of nature
Let go of the past
And grab the future

Poem by Mark Shields – © 09-12-2019
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – 1 Timothy 1:1-17”

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Good Mood

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Mark Shields

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2

The post “The Best Part of My Day” pointed out the need for forgiveness and how Christ became our one time sacrifice. There is reason to be in a good mood and it’s all about what Christ has done for us. If you have the courage to make this your focus and give God the best part of your day, your life will be transformed.

The world wants to tell us that God is not real and it’s not worth our time to pray and have Him in our thoughts. A few years ago, I went to a a George Straight concert. Here is a good mood song I Saw God Today by George Strait along with photos from the concert that points out that we can see God at work around us; the birth of a child, the celebration of a birthday, a graduation, the morning sun rise, the evening sunset.  


Index of devotionals

 

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The Best Part of My Day

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God, we will put our attention on Leviticus 7. If we pay attention to the world, disorder will expand to fill the void of human failure but if we pay attention to God, order will fill the void in our life with greatness.

Today’s passage continues with the need for forgiveness in our life. Forgiveness is important in any relationship and with our relationship with God, sacrifice is important for God’s forgiveness. The instruction given to Moses included a sacrifice of an animal (bull, lamb, goat).

The animal was slaughtered and the fat was to be burned on the altar. The fat was considered the best portion and burned on the altar for God. The breast and right thigh were the portion of the offering due the priests for their perpetual share for the generations to come (v. 34). It was a contribution for their service to the Lord as priests.

In current times, Christ has taken the place of animal sacrifice. His death on the cross, became our one time sacrifice that wipes away sin and puts us in a right relationship with God. So today my friend, there is reason to be in a good mood and it’s all about what Christ has done for us. If you have the courage to make this your focus and give God the best part of your day, your life will be transformed.

This day with You Lord, help us to focus on sharing about the Gospel. Give us ideas in how to best see You today. You are in everything around us; the birth of a child, the celebration of a birthday, a graduation, the morning sun rise, the evening sunset. Help us to point out to others when heaven opens up this day. Amen.

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Leviticus 6 – 10

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Mark Shields

Let us set out to acquire spiritual treasures and discover that it’s not always the destination but the rewarding experiences along the journey that are truly rewarding. As a team member for God, we can step ahead of hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in the world that keep us down. Instead, we can desire the authenticity, sincerity and certainty that God provides using technology to make a positive impact on our life.

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 6
What is the continuity of our relationship with God? What is the idea of holiness as expressed in verses 19-30? How can you be holy in your living?

Leviticus 7
What portion of the offerings is due to the priests? For what purpose? Does God receive the best part of your life?

Leviticus 8
What two words in this chapter indicate the purpose of the ritual here described? Do you consider yourself as a priest in any sense? What qualities are expected of a priest?

Leviticus 9
What benefits do the people receive from the priests’ ministry as recorded in today’s passage? Have any similar benefits come through you this week? What purposes are served by the appearance of God’s glory?

Leviticus 10
What is wrong about the act of Nadab and Abihu (See their previous privileges in Exodus 24:1,9-10)? What conflicts of interest exist in your life? Which way should the conflict be resolved?

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/>.

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