Trusting The Lord

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Mark Shields

The nation was faced with the possibility of war which prompted the writing of Psalm 20-21. Expressed in Psalm 20 is what the people want from their leader (vv. 1-5) and what the leader wants from the Lord (vv. 6-9). In Psalm 21, David is looking ahead to when the war is won; thanking God for the victory.

The people wanted a leader that had the power of God on his side. King David desired God’s blessing to be a good leader, to be successful in overcoming his enemies and the courage to take on each challenge. In prayer he asks God for help.

King David goes to God in prayer because he knew that the strength of a nation is not in weaponry but in worship; not in fire power, but in God’s power. In the times of today, we face wars too; not only against radical groups that want to kill us but enemies unseen within our own culture.

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The battle is won by preparing for the actions to take as we step ahead; taking in spiritual food to fortify for the intense fight. Just like King David, we can trust in You Lord for Your power and not be shaken. We are thankful for You listening to our prayers and granting us with the desire to take on the challenges of life with You by our side. We look forward to eternal blessings. In Jesus name. Amen.

 

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The Week Ahead

Posted on December 18, 2016 by Mark Shields

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

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Fulfillment

Posted on December 17, 2016 by Mark Shields

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
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Meditation of My Heart

Posted on December 16, 2016 by Mark Shields

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

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More Precious Than Gold

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Mark Shields

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

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