The Week Ahead

This week, we will be sharing some thoughts from the study of Psalm 23-24.

Below are some questions for reflection 

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?

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

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Wish List For Christmas

Here is a poem inspired from a sermon at the place I attend worship. Have a wonderful weekend and I hope you get everything on your wish list. Have a Merry Christmas!

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

I wish I had answers
to all my questions;
knowing what to do
or getting suggestions.

I wish I knew without a doubt
that things would get better;
for answers to come
and my faith not in a fetter.

I wish I knew God’s
favor was on me;
to overcome tough times
to be the best I can be.

I wish I had something
to always celebrate;
looking forward
to all that is great.

I wish I had someone
to come to my rescue
Wait … I do in Jesus
the ONE I can look to.

The ONE who provides
a never ending peace
and a gift of joyfulness
that will daily increase.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-22-2016
Inspired by sermon of Steve Ramsdell, 12-11-2016
Church Sermons
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Shelter Through The Storm

And call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. – Psalm 50:15 

As shared in the post “Hope Even in Trials“, David is going through tremendous emotional and physical difficulty but goes to God in prayer. He hung in there even during extreme difficulty and events turned around in his favor.

The lesson for us is that God will bless with strength to face difficulty, a need, or a challenge. Just go to Him in prayer and ask for shelter through the storm just like in this video: Shelter Me by Bruce Carroll, Billy Sprague and Bob Bennett. Through our difficulty, momentum will build toward a brighter future with new hope and joy.


Index of devotionals

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Hope Even In Trials

Psalm 22 was probably written while David was being trapped by Saul and his men in the wilderness. The beginning of this psalm describes how David feels as he goes through tremendous emotional and physical difficulty and the first verse is quoted by Jesus on the Cross.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
So far from my cries of anguish?

There is evidences found in this psalm that suggest more than only immediate implications. As stated, many of the words used also describe the emotional and physical agony that our Lord went through at the crucifixion. This psalm calls all to the Lord in fulfilling His plan by spreading the gospel message through each generation.

There are times when life seems impossible to get through but then all of a sudden, something changes. God has a way of setting up events to benefit those who continue to seek Him. In this case, the event in history is Israel being invaded and Saul having to divert his attention away from his search for David.

Therefore, the ending of this psalm is more positive with David gaining confidence and giving praise to God. The lesson for us is to hang in there and keep going because God will set up events for our benefit.

Lord, this day help us when facing trials to have hope even in trials. Through difficulties, our faith can start building momentum for a brighter future. As we keep stepping ahead, let there be new growth as hope and joy wraps the gift of eternal blessings. Amen.

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Never Shaken

For the king trusts in the Lord;
            through the unfailing love of the Most High
            he will not be shaken. – Psalm 21:7 

Sharing in the post “Trusting the Lord”, David desired success in overcoming his enemies and in prayer he asks God for help. He thanks God for listening and granting his spiritual request and asks for eternal blessings.

When we follow God’s plan for us, we are assured of gaining victories in various situations throughout life. There will be challenges but as in this video: We Won’t Be Shaken – Building 429.  As we gain victories, our response will be to give God the glory as we gain momentum each day.

 

 

Index of devotionals

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