The Week Ahead

This week, we will be sharing some thoughts from the study of Psalm 20-22.

Below are some questions for reflection: 

Psalm 20-21
What type of situation prompts these psalms? What things does David desire? What do you do when surrounded by trouble? Who is at the center of your plans? How do you go about getting victories in various situations? What is your response to victory?

Psalm 22
What emotional and physical experience prompt the expression of verses 1-2? What makes the difference between the beginning and ending of this Psalm? What evidences do you find that this psalm has more than only immediate implications?

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

It all starts with receiving a plan from God through faithful, consistent, and powerful prayer. Here is a video/poem to inspire you this day and throughout the week: This Day with God. 


Index of Devotionals

Posted in Bible Study | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fulfillment

Here is a poem which inspires one towards successfully realizing your God given purpose. Working for a good cause brings true happiness and fulfillment in life. Have a wonderful weekend as you realize your God given purpose my friends!

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

A person’s finest hour
And greatest fulfillment
Is the exact moment
Of a great achievement.

When a person has worked
Their heart out for a good cause
And reflects at the end
As they rest and pause.

Exhausted but victorious,
They’ve fulfilled their mission.
It all began with a plan
And it came to fruition.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-15-2016
Image Source

View original post

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

Meditation of My Heart

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. – Psalm 19:14 

Going out in the backyard either at night before going to sleep or in the morning before sunrise with my dog Marlee, we can hear the sounds of a night. Marlee loves just lying in the grass, listening, and enjoying the cool breeze. I look up in the sky and see the stars and enjoy the amazement as God has painted another masterpiece to communicate His glory. The time in the back yard gives inspiration and hope; confidence that that God is with me and will be with me always.

In the post “More Precious Than Gold”, written about was just how precious God’s Word is and the need to share with others the precious insight that can be gained. Also mentioned was the exercise of memorizing scripture so it becomes deep-rooted into our heart and soul.  Another way to receive inspiration and hope is in music as in this video: Light Up the Sky – The Afters. 


Index of devotionals

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

More Precious Than Gold

As pointed out in Psalm 19 there are two sources by which we can receive the knowledge of God; through His Word and in His Creation. This knowledge is more precious than gold and can be found through reading and studying the Bible. 

The prayer of verse 14 has two sides. One is “Meditation of my heart” which is a process of transforming righteous thoughts from our mind so they become deep-rooted into our heart and soul. The exercise of memorizing scripture is a way for this to be accomplished. God’s Word challenges us, inspires us, and transforms us.

The other part of the prayer in verse 14 is “Words of my mouth” which is what we say. Nature proclaims God’s existence but He uses people to explain the Gospel. We should not only know the Word of God but also apply the Word in our own life and share the Word with others.

Psalm 12

Lord, the lessons from Your Word are more valuable than gold. Help us to think and say what is pleasing to You. With You, we are blessed with eternal rewards. Help us to understand that our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never let us down. As the prayer in verse 14 of the passage studied today states, “May the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen

Posted in Bible Study | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of Psalm 19-25

Technology has been developed so that people can communicate with each other around the world but at the same time, humanity can be a fool in not acknowledging God’s part in making the world amazing. Over the last few weeks through the study of Psalm 13-18, it became abundantly clear that God is the ONE to go to during difficult times; providing answers to our questions, giving us momentum, and providing the energy we need as we face challenges ahead.

When God is with us, we have purpose, teamwork, and integrity.  To apply our faith, we can plant the seeds of His principles into our heart. If there are areas that need improvement, memorize scripture to help. When challenged, the mind will be prepared for action because God’s principles are internalized.

As God’s Word is internalized, the heart of a champion is developed which produces the fruits of the Spirit. God is then with us to take on the challenges we face and with God, we can sincerely believe that each obstacle can be overcome and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion; celebrating progress throughout each day by praising Him.

Over the last few weeks through the study of Psalm 13-18, David trusted in God for counsel, protection, and path to life. We should have this same attitude as we journey through life. Like the trust in God that David demonstrates, we should be assured that God is with us always. We can have confidence right now, tomorrow, and for eternity because of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

David spread his wings of faith to be lifted from his difficulties. God fashioned a bright future as David’s hope was in the quality of righteousness. The same quality we all obtain by accepting the love of God in Christ.

David came up against a tough defense and could not gain any first downs in life. We can take this and other lessons to better see what’s keeping us from gaining first downs or blocking our way. We can be better prepared by focusing on God’s plan. If we do, God will provide the open path and all we have to do is follow the path and we will not only gain first downs but make touchdowns in life.

The objective of any Bible study should be to not only learn the main principles of the Word but to keep the Word in our thoughts in order to apply them in our life. I will continue this objective with a study through Psalm 19-25. The aim is to plant the seeds of faith, hope, and love in order to yield fruit that nourishes others.

David constantly acknowledged that his victories in battle were due to God’s provision. Just as with David, God reflects and magnifies who we are. Faith in Him gives us confidence and hope that we will be enabled with strength, a secure future, and the needed resources to meet each challenge.

So join me over the next few weeks as I step ahead using the questions below to inspire thoughts and ideas. God will give us the upper hand by producing in us the heart of a champion.

Psalm 19
What are the two sources by which we can receive the knowledge of God? Where are the things of the Lord found? What are the two aspects of the prayer in verse 14? 

Psalm 20-21
What type of situation prompts these psalms? What things does David desire? What do you do when surrounded by trouble? Who is at the center of your plans? How do you go about getting victories in various situations? What is your response to victory? 

Psalm 22
What emotional and physical experience prompt the expression of verses 1-2? What makes the difference between the beginning and ending of this Psalm? What evidences do you find that this psalm has more than only immediate implications?

Psalm 23
What areas of life’s need are cared for by the shepherd? What phrases reveal David’s attitude toward God? In what ways is the Lord your shepherd? 

Psalm 24
What is the essential question in verse 3? What standards are included in answer to that question? Who is the King of glory? 

Psalm 25
How does David’s dependence on God relate to God’s guidance? To what qualities of God’s character does David appeal? Which of David’s words are familiar to your experience? 

The above reading plan 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! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ. 

When we accept Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit is our companion and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. With God, we can get through anything, we can patiently grind it out during difficulties or give Him credit when the impossible is made possible. Beyond that, we can celebrate because of the victory we will always have with Him.

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. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
Image Source

 

Posted in Bible Study, Questions for Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment