Praise for What He Gave

Posted on October 21, 2016 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

What is our greatest reward in this life? Is it nice houses, cars, and cloths, or is it waking up early with God, studying the Word, praying, and knowing He is with us throughout our day. Unfortunately, as written about in the post “Our True Reward”, many look for their happiness, needs, and desires from this world rather than from God.

Take a moment to watch this video: Good, Good Father – Chris Tomlin. Let us keep our eyes on the true reward today for with God, we can sincerely believe that each hardship we face can be overcome. We can be enthusiastic; going about this day by taking action to make it our best day ever. Then our tomorrows will be our best days ahead and we can celebrate progress by giving praise for what He gave.



Index of devotionals

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Our True Reward

Posted on October 20, 2016 by Mark Shields

What are the reasons for Gomer leaving Hosea? What action does Hosea plan to take? In what ways are you like Gomer? How has God made you realize that life’s good things are from Him?

The domestic life of Hosea portrays the unfaithfulness of Israel. His wife named Gomer was unfaithful and so was Israel to God. As pointed out in Hosea 2:1-13, Gomer leaves Hosea because she thinks her lovers can best provide for her happiness, needs, and desires.

Gomer’s path to true happiness will be blocked and her life will be made difficult so she will acknowledge that it was Hosea that best provided for her happiness, needs, and desires. This will result in Gomer returning to him for her rewards.

In many ways, some are like Gomer because they look for happiness, needs, and desires from this world rather than from God. What is more rewarding in life? Is it nice houses, cars, and cloths? Or is it waking up early, studying His Word, praying, and depending on Him as we step ahead throughout our day?

Lord, we come to you today asking for forgiveness for there are times that we are like Gomer. We look for contentment within this world. Help us today to understand that it is You that provides all we need; the everlasting life of true happiness with You. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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Disciplined Listening

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Mark Shields

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. – Proverbs 16:3

As shared in the post Unlimited Potential with God, Israel was not faithful to God and their future was not going to be easy. The lesson for us is to reach out and grab the upper hand of God by setting aside time to study the Word and spending time in prayer.

Here is an idea for today. Instead of taking breaks today, have a praise the Lord prayer time asking for direction for the rest of the day. First, watch this video poem and take every opportunity during pauses throughout the day to watch this video poem; to pray and ask for guidance: This Day with God.


Index of devotionals

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Unlimited Potential With God

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Mark Shields

As recorded in Hosea 1, the domestic life of Hosea portrays the unfaithfulness of Israel where murder, idolatry, and immorality was rampant. For Hosea would marry a promiscuous woman named Gomer and they would have three children.

The first was a boy and God told Hosea to name the boy Jezreel because of His promise to break Israel’s bow in the Valley of Jezreel. A daughter would be named Lo-Ruhamah (which means “not loved”) because God would no longer show love to Israel but to Judah (v. 7). The second son would be named Lo-Ammi (which means “not my people”) because God declared that the Israelites were no longer His people (v. 9).

So the beginning of this passage lays out the punishment of Israel for their unfaithfulness to God. Israel’s immediate future would not go smooth but the last paragraph of this passage portrays the image of sand on the seashore to compare how unlimited the potential would be for the nation of Israel once they are reunited with God.

This day, the lesson for us is to reach out and take the upper hand by setting aside time to study God’s word. It will take a disciplined effort but by spending time with God as we begin our day, there will be unlimited potential.

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Lord, today we pray that just as the sand of a beach is unlimited, our future looks to be unlimited because of being reunited with You through Jesus. At this moment, we praise You because of this inspiring vision you have given for our future. We pray now for Your guidance to step ahead as we begin this day. We have confidence that the vision will come about and that we will glorify Your name today. Amen.

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Hosea 1-8

Posted on October 17, 2016 by Mark Shields

I’ve posted over the last few weeks about the study of Amos 5-9. The poem Faith Grows Greater below was inspired by this study.

Faith Grows Greater
Take action right now
To seek what the Creator
Has in store for you
As faith grows greater.

Seek the Lord by reading;
Seek Him by daily learning;
Seek Him by applying the Word
So you become more discerning.

The Word will be a weapon
Like a shield and sword
Providing spiritual food
And your daily reward.

Always have a sure hope
Because of the promise.
Look to better days ahead
Never be a doubting Thomas.

Cheer up my friend
For a lofty palace is set aside
So step ahead this day
Following the perfect guide.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 10-13-2016

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 in the book of Hosea 1-8 over the next few weeks. The aim is to plant the seeds of faith, hope, and love in order to yield fruit that nourishes others.

I invite you to 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.

Hosea 1
In what ways does Hosea’s domestic life portray the life of the nation of Israel? What progression is sketched by the meaning of the names of Hosea’s children? What image is portrayed in the last paragraph of this passage?

Hosea 2:1-13
What are the reasons for Gomer leaving Hosea? What action does Hosea plan to take? In what ways are you like Gomer? How has God made you realize that life’s good things are from Him?

Hosea 2:14-23
What is God’s objective in restoration? In what ways does God seek to have a relationship with Israel that is similar to a marriage relationship? In what ways does God encouraged you to work together with Him?

Hosea 3-4
What has happened to Gomer? What is involved before Hosea can live with her again? What is the extended effect of sin? How does God diagnose this plight? What is the cure?

Hosea 5-6
What are the charges God brings against Israel? What can we learn from the reaction of Ephraim to God’s judgment? How can you guard against superficial response to God?

Hosea 7-8
What do the metaphors describing Israel reveal? Why hasn’t Israel turned to God for forgiveness? Israel was blind to sin but unlike Israel, how can we guard against blindness to sin?

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. Last week, we celebrated the birthday of Jesus and now we will continue the celebration throughout upcoming year because of the gift God has given us.

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
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