Wise Choice

Posted on March 2, 2018 by Mark Shields

All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised Him to life. – Philippians 3:10 

The post “Desire the Ways of Wisdom” tells us to accept wisdom’s call because wisdom helps to meet our challenges in life. The wisest choice is to accept Jesus because this choice is more valuable than silver and brings knowledge worth more than gold.

In this life, knowing Christ brings victory. No other choice can match up so accept the ONE who is much more valuable than the ace picture in the World Series, the great quarterback on the final drive of the game, or the great basketball player that brings victory on the last shot of the game.  

We have a lot of challenges in this world but fortunately, we have the ONE who brings the advantage. Our Savior was there in the beginning and He will be there in the end as the song 10, 000 Reasons by Matt Redman points out. In between the beginning and the end, there are so many reasons to worship His Holy name.
 

 

Index of devotionals

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Desire the Ways of Wisdom

Posted on March 1, 2018 by Mark Shields

Presented to us in the passage Proverbs 8 is that wisdom is offered to everyone but only appeals to those who have a desire for prudence, truth, discretion, and insight. To gain wisdom, there must be a plan for gaining wisdom; the will, the desire, and the discipline to follow through with the plan.

What God gives in Proverbs are instructions for gaining wisdom but we must be intentional about reading and applying what we learn. Most good things in life don’t happen magically or suddenly but are a result of a desire; a commitment to see things through until they are accomplished.

We need wisdom for the challenges we face and if the things of God are our treasure then we have all we need. The wisdom gained builds momentum which leads to more passion to invest in others as we make this wisdom of God known to them.

Desire wisdom’s instruction more than silver and her knowledge more than gold. Nothing you desire can compare with her for she is more precious than rubies. Accumulate this treasure and receive the benefit provided.

This day with You Lord, we worship Your Holy name. Your Word teaches us how valuable wisdom is in our life. Help us to be intentional in reading Your Word on a daily basis and applying Your instructions in life. Give us the desire to invest in others and share with them about the unseen, the eternal, and the supernatural. In Jesus name. Amen.

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Reservoir of Wisdom

Posted on February 28, 2018 by Mark Shields

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5

The post “System of Wisdom” presented ideas for becoming informed. Like in the song Word of God Speak by MercyMe, the Word of God speaks to us with wisdom from up high that rains down on earth and collects in the reservoir of our heart and mind.

The wisdom we gain from God’s Word from our experiences and from each other brings us knowledge and understanding. Let us take this wisdom, bind it on our finger tips, and write down what we learn in the tablet of our heart.
 

 

Index of devotionals

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System of Wisdom

Posted on February 27, 2018 by Mark Shields

Explained in the passage Proverbs 7 is that wisdom should be close to us like a good friend, a brother, or sister. God’s words speak to us to provide a system of wisdom. The Holy Spirit flows from up high down to us in our current reality and we see His majesty. We can then take in the inspiration and rest in His holiness.

If wisdom is not close to us, impure thoughts that begin many times in wrong media like T. V., movies, and magazines will give us wrong directions that lead down the wrong path. Don’t fall into the trap. The best way is God’s way so enroll in God’s school of wisdom and apply this wisdom in life. The book of Proverbs is the text book to the course.

Stick to the instructions of God’s Word and build up a hedge of protection by guarding your heart and mind; keeping away from temptation and being aware of the tragic results. As the passage today advises, bind God’s teachings on your fingers and write them on the tablet of your heart. The benefits are freedom from the enemy’s traps.

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This day with You Lord, Your Word speak to us and helps us along the journey. Your Words pour down from up above like rain. We store them up as wisdom in the reservoir of our mind. Our growing faith can never dry up as the gospel message refreshes us daily with wise thoughts that inspire us to stay and rest in Your holiness. Amen.

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Proverbs 7-12

Posted on February 26, 2018 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been sharing some thoughts brought out in the study of the book of Proverbs. This collection of writings urges conduct that expresses a person’s relationship with God in everyday situations. Throughout this book, we can find wisdom and instruction to help handle life situations.

Proverbs is like our google map on the journey of life. A lie the world tells us is to do things your way but the best way is to work with others, accept the help God gives in Christ, and accept the obvious as truth.

Call out to God each day for insight and understanding. The benefits are receiving the knowledge of God and being rewarded with understanding, protection, safety, and victory in life. There are some obstacles in today’s world because of the distractions, information overload, or the challenges of being able to discern factual information.

Just keep in mind that with God we can sincerely believe that each obstacle will be overcome and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion; celebrating progress throughout each day.

Our moves in live may not always line up with how God tells us to live but remember that the King of kings always has one more move before the game of life is over. The blood of Christ is the extra move God gives us for the path to victory. Then each day we can study God’s Word for continual cleaning. We can also hold each other accountable, share ideas, and encourage one another.

The mission of this blog is to bring out ways to better apply God’s Word in our life at work, at home, and within our neighborhoods. The questions for reflection for the study of Proverbs 7-12 below will help bring out some thoughts and ideas over the next few weeks.

The reading plan below will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing!

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Questions for Reflection

Proverbs 7
What is the relationship you are to have with wisdom? What can you do to become wise? What are the benefits of wisdom?

Proverbs 8
To whom does wisdom appeal? In what ways do you need to keep wisdom’s ways today? Why?

Proverbs 9
Whom does the banquet of Wisdom call? Whom does the banquet of Folly call? What does each offer? What are the results? To what extent do you have wisdom and insight according to the definitions of verse 10?

Proverbs 10
What are the benefits of wisdom and righteousness? In what ways is your speech a fountain of life? How are wisdom and righteousness related to your life?

Proverbs 11
How are wickedness and righteousness manifested in everyday life? What do your actions reveal about the basic qualities of your life? How is a proverb in this passage related to your daily living?

Proverbs 12
In what areas of life is it evident that there is a difference between the intentions of the righteous and the wicked? How do the wise relate to others? How do fools relate to others? How should a person react to insults?

 

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/>.
“Google Images.” Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=8IipWNPmOoPBmwHIpZ2ACQ&ved=0EKouCBcoAQ>.
“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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