Incentive for Growing in Faith

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Mark Shields

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. – 1 Corinthians 2:9

As pointed out in the post “Benefits of Wisdom”,  there is a part God plays and a part we play in our gaining wisdom. There are major benefits right now to gaining wisdom like being rewarded with understanding, protection, safety, and victory in life.

Even if everything does not work out in this life on earth, there is still a great incentive for growing our faith as inspired in the song Home by Chris Tomlin. For there is a better place where there are no more burdens. A place where the streets are golden, the chains are broken, where fear is gone, and we are free at last in our permanent home.
 

 

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Benefits of Wisdom

Posted on February 8, 2018 by Mark Shields

Reading in Proverbs 2, explained is that God’s part in each of us gaining wisdom are the instructions found in His word, His commands, and His Spirit. These resources of God provide a guide to life skills like faith, hope, courage, joy, and peace.

Our part in gaining wisdom is to apply these instructions and commands. To have a daily time of Bible study and prayer so we are in tune with the Spirit. Calling out for insight, understanding, and constantly storing up His principles in our heart as though they are more valuable than silver or hidden treasure.

If we do our part, 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.

Lord we praise You today. We respect Your authority and accept the wisdom You offer in Your word. The time we spend with You in Bible study and prayer is very important as it brings power and direction in our life. Amen.

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Our Google Map for the Journey

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Mark Shields

It is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  – 2 Corinthians 4:6 

A thought from the post “Gaining Wisdom for Life” is that the more good information you can gather, the better decisions you can make. This is the main reason God had Solomon write Proverbs so you have wisdom and instructions for life.

One benefit of Google Maps is that you can use street views when planning out a trip to places that you’ve never been before. It’s kind of like visualizing the future so that things are planned out in your mind; what turns will be needed, what signs to look for, and the assurance that you are going to where you need to go.

Proverbs is 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.

This day will be amazing because God helps you plan the right things for your day and things fall into place for an amazing day. Take inspiration from the song Good, Good Father by Chris Tomlin and believe the pathway set before you will lead to where you want to go.


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Gaining Wisdom for Life

Posted on February 6, 2018 by Mark Shields

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 1

Solomon’s purpose in writing Proverbs is for gaining wisdom and instruction to handle situations in life. The audience is for all people; the young, the wise, those wanting guidance in decisions. The foundation of wisdom is built on fearing the Lord and being willing to be taught in order to gain knowledge.

Solomon warns against being enticed in the ways of sinners because ultimately bad things will happen to those who don’t listen to God. At times while noticing worldly success, it may seem that bad behavior pays off. In the long term though, they may crash and burn. Ultimately good things will happen to those who follow His way.

When a person ignores wisdom and hangs around those with wrong motives, they can only look to a future of hard times. Their friends of low character will turn on them. Throughout the Bible, we have a historical record of bad things happening to those that didn’t listen to God and a lot of good things happening to those that did.

In today’s world, we are sometimes hampered by information overload and too many choices. People can’t make decisions because they are given various conflicting directions from others or too many opinions. They listen to the wrong people instead of relying on the ONE who has the answers.

To receive this wisdom, set aside some time each day for Bible study and prayer. Gain lessons throughout life that can be applied to the situations faced.

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This day with You Lord, we know You are perfect in all Your ways. You are a great Father. Your Word is our guide to life. Lord … we are reading, studying, and are planning to follow Your way. We are growing Spiritually day by day. Thank You for Your truth and for others to grow with as we take on the challenges ahead. We now have the tools to go where we have never gone before. We want to grow in character and realize that every moment can be a building block as we step ahead higher and higher. Amen.

 

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Proverbs 1-6

Posted on February 5, 2018 by Mark Shields

I want to take this time to thank all of you my readers. I’ve found this blog 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.

So far this year, the journey through God’s Word has taken us through the book of Romans. As the journey continues, I will turn to the book of Proverbs. This collection of writings urges conduct that expresses a person’s relationship with God in everyday situations.

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 1-6 below will help bring out some thoughts and ideas over the next few weeks.

The Lord speaks to us in various ways – visions, dreams, and life’s circumstances; even advice from others. Most of all, God speaks through the Bible. Thus, the main purpose of this blog is to study His Word with the intent to gain wisdom that we may apply in our own lives and also help others along the journey.

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!

Questions for Reflection

Proverbs 1
What is Solomon’s purpose in writing Proverbs? What are the consequences of ignoring wisdom? What are the results of heeding wisdom? What are specific wisdom and instructions needed for today? How can you have this wisdom?

Proverbs 2
What is God’s part in gaining wisdom? What is your part in gaining wisdom?  What are the benefits of possessing wisdom? Why do you need wisdom today?

Proverbs 3
What are the results for those who keep wisdom’s commands? How is wisdom related to daily living? What are the effects of wisdom and discretion in your life? In what ways do they heal and refresh you?

Proverbs 4
What do you want most from life? In what ways does wisdom give you freedom? Why must the heart (In Hebrew, the intellectual, moral, and emotional faculties) be protected by wisdom?

Proverbs 5
Describe the adulteress. Why should you keep away from her? What are the personal and public results for the adulterer? What does Proverbs 5:15-21 reveal about God’s plan for sex and love?

Proverbs 6
What about ants can we learn? The Lord hates certain things in people. Are there any of these in your life and are there ways you can get rid of them? What are the consequences for the person who commits adultery?

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.  <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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