Provision

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Mark Shields

God provided David with physical advantages like strength and speed as recorded in Psalm 18:25-50. As in the life of David, It is up to us to live the way God instructs because He is faithful to those who believe and those who are humble. He provides what is needed to keep the lamp burning so that darkness is turned into light.

God reflects and magnifies who we are as brought out in this passage. Our faith in Him gives us confidence that we will be enabled with advantages just like He gave David with strength, a secure future, and the needed resources to meet each challenge.

We are never 100% prepared for anything in life but we can remain optimistic if we continue to take in God’s Word to fortify. With God, we are highly favored and as we pray for directions and step ahead, we can be assured that He will pull us through.

Lord, in today’s passage we have read how David constantly acknowledged that his victories in battle were due to Your hand on him. You gave David faith in a time of despair, courage in a time of doubt, and a passion that brought victory for your great causes. We believe today that You will do the same for us as we pray in Jesus name. Amen.

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The Week Ahead

Posted on December 11, 2016 by Mark Shields

This week, we will be sharing some thoughts from the study of Psalm 18 and then continue the study into Psalm 19.

Below are some questions for reflection 

Psalm 18:25-50

What is your part in the way God acts toward you? In what ways is God described as the enabler? What are David’s physical advantages and who does he credit as the source of these physical advantages?

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?

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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Remember

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Mark Shields

Here is a poem inspired from last week’s sermon at the church I attend worship. Have a wonderful weekend as we remember the reason for the season.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Remember that all things
are possible with the Lord.
For His Spirit is in us
as we step forward.

Remember that God’s Light
defeats all the darkness
and the radiance of His glory
changes any sadness.

Remember that God
Is the author of wonder.
Available for all
to remove any blunder.

Remember that our
greatest need is a Savior
and only Jesus brings a way
to correct our behavior.

Remember we have a story
worth telling to all
of a life changed by Christ
and inspired to meet our call.

worship

Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-08-2016
Inspired by sermon of Steve Ramsdell, 12-04-2016
Church Podcast

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Lifted up on Wings to Handle What Life Brings

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Mark Shields

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
            My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
            My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. – Psalm 18:2 

In sharing the post “Delivered from Enemies”, noted was how David faced difficulty but spread his wings in faith to be lifted to a new level as God fashioned a bright future for David.

We all face difficulties in life. I once read about actor Sylvester Stallone who not only was the lead actor but also wrote the script for all the “Rocky” and “Rambo” movies. Before hitting it big with the movie “Rocky”, Sylvester Stallone went through homelessness as he struggled to make ends meet as a writer and actor.

If going through a trial in your life or just having a down day, take inspiration from this video: Lift Me Up by The Afters. 


Index of devotionals

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Delivered from Enemies

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Mark Shields

The Lord delivered David from his enemies and from the hand of Saul. In Psalm 18:1-24, David spreads his wings in faith to be lifted from his distress by praying for deliverance. As a deliverer, God takes action and we get a vivid description from David in this Psalm of how God responds prayer.

God rewarded David because of his righteousness (v. 20 and v. 24). We can be thankful because we gain righteousness by accepting Christ. When our enemies of life pressure us from all angles, we can go to God in prayer just like David did and ask for Him to work things out. His provision sets up a way to escape or the power to get through any situation.

Things may happen that should not but we can overcome difficulty. People may do us wrong and we may lose trust but we can be an overcomer if we forgive, step ahead, and are thankful for what we do have.

We can react with strength because with the study of scripture, we are provided light in our darkest hour. Our enemies will sense this power and they will not be bold enough to challenge us or expose any of our weaknesses. Even if there is a challenging situation, we can go to God for more instruction and direction. The scripture can be used as our weapon to handle stressful situations. We can start fresh with a new perspective.

This day with You Lord will be amazing because all the challenges we face can be met head on. We have confidence that You will provide the resources needed to get through anything. Whatever we go through this day, we are not stressed out because like You did with Dave, You have fashioned a bright future. Our hope is in the righteousness we receive by accepting Your love in Christ. Amen.

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