Step Ahead Higher and Higher

Posted on September 6, 2019 by Mark Shields

The poem below was inspired by Micah 4. Within this passage, we get a picture of a future when the world has it together. The populace has discovered God and they step ahead higher and higher.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Jacob’s Ladder on Abilene Christian University Campus

Step ahead higher
On the great adventure
Connected to heaven
And a more grand future.

Step ahead higher
With the Lord in control
So faith, hope, and love
Benefit the soul.

Step ahead higher
To an amazing day
When all are one
In Christ we pray.

Step ahead higher
Sister or brother
Living in peace
Helping each other.

Step ahead higher
Give it a try
On the stairway
Into the sky.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 08-08-2019
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – Micah 4”

View original post

Posted in Poems | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of Leviticus 1-5

Posted on September 4, 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 1
Why did God give Moses such specific laws and principles? What is to be done with the blood from the burnt offerings? What in your daily routine can you adjust, tweak, or fine-tune that allow you to be more devoted and dedicated to God’s plan for high standards in your life?

Leviticus 2
What are the ingredients of a grain offering? How are they to be prepared? What is the meaning of covenant and memorial as related to the grain offering?

Leviticus 3
What elements of the peace offering are reserved for the Lord? What is the purpose of the peace offering (See Gen. 26:26-31)? Can you do anything today to bring God pleasure? Are you at peace with God?

Leviticus 4
What indicates that the gravity of sin increases with positions of leadership and responsibility? What (in statement and symbolism) gives assurance of complete and final forgiveness for the beneficiary of the sacrifice? How does today’s passage make you want to share with others about how important the life of Christ became as our ultimate sacrifice for our sin?

Leviticus 5
What is God’s attitude toward a witness who hides his knowledge of a crime?  What provisions are made for the offerings of the poor? What does God’s Word emphasize to do when someone does something wrong?

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.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Questions for Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Cultivate the Garden

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Mark Shields

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. – Psalm 100:4

Some thoughts from reading 2 Timothy 4 were written about in the post “Flourish in Faith”. Paul was at the end of his life and needed some helpers to carry out the work of the church.

Paul had fought the good fight and finished the race. He was not afraid of death because of his trust in Jesus. Because of Jesus, he had confidence that amazing things would happen in the ministry. He was ready to pass on the baton the future generations.

For future generations to read, understand, and apply the Word of God, it is up to each of us to continue to plant seeds of the Gospel message. Put in the work to organize the help, cultivate the fruits of the Spirit, and believe it will impressively grow in beauty.

Receive inspiration from the song Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli. God’ Spirit is with you today and as you experience His goodness, desire for others to receive the same.  
 

 

Index of devotionals

 

Posted in Devotionals | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Flourish in Faith

Posted on September 2, 2019 by Mark Shields

Reading in 2 Timothy 4, there is a sense of urgency for Paul because the ministry has had some deserters. They needed to regroup before his death which was nearing. He is in a Roman prison being persecuted and is asking Timothy to come see him face to face one final time before he is killed.

Paul gives these imperatives to Timothy: Preach the word, be prepared to correct, rebuke, encourage, and give careful instruction. Paul is concerned about the ministries ability to spread throughout the world. There is the need for help because time was short and those who had been loyal were needed to carry out the work.

He remembers the past and had no regrets. He had hardships and desertion from those he thought were going to help but the future rewards would be enjoyed because he had accomplished the purpose God had for him. The Lord gave him strength to endure and win the race as in the scripture below.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me in that day – and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.  – 2 Timothy 4:7-8

For future generations to read, understand, and apply the Word of God, continue to plant seeds of the Gospel message. Put in the work to organize the help, cultivate the fruits of the Spirit, and it will impressively grow in beauty.

So much effort goes into making something flourish. There is a need for many helpers to participate in the success and it is much more rewarding when others get to share in the success.

God wants us as His companion. All the way back to the Garden of Eden, God just wants us as a companion to live with Him in paradise.

This day with You Lord will be amazing because we seek You every day and in You we believe. We read Your Word and apply it in our lives. Over time, we grow in our faith and our actions are on display for others to see. We are thankful for Your provision; grateful for all we receive. Amen.

 

Posted in Bible Study, Rewards | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Led by the Spirit

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God, collect the precious insight gained in His Word. The poem “Led by the Spirit” was inspired by This Day with God Devotional – Micah 3. We notice that Micah was filled with power from the Spirit of the Lord and was given authority to forewarn. We also have power and authority because of our acceptance of Jesus. Our authority is to share about the new Way. To share the good news available to everyone that believes in Him.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Photo taken 06/04/2018 – Water Fall at Garvan Woodland Gardens near Hot Springs Arkansas

The actions of the past
Led down the wrong way
As many loved evil
And were led astray.

But life gave warning
And lessons were learned
So a new way was taken
And the old way spurned.

As the Word was read,
The Spirit did flow
And days became better
When evil was told no.

Battles were won daily
Without any limit
Fighting with the sword
Of the Holy Spirit.

By integrating faith
With a godly lifestyle,
The path was made clear,
The journey worthwhile.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 08-08-2019

View original post

Posted in Poems | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment