Paying Attention to the Perfect Example

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Mark Shields

In the post Following Instructions, the Israelites complained because they were in the desert. They were hungry and thirsty but then God provided for them through some amazing events. Unfortunately, they didn’t follow God’s instruction in collecting the food He had provided.

God tested the Israelite community to see if they could follow specific instructions. They were to gather enough quail and Manna for one day. Some didn’t pay attention and the food became full of maggots and smelled.

As we go through life, there is a need to follow the perfect instructions from our Father in Heaven. Unfortunately, our children follow what we do and it may not always be the perfect example. Then there are times when we hit a homerun as in today’s video: Watching You – Rodney Atkins.


My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – James 1:19

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Following Instructions

Posted on May 12, 2016 by Mark Shields

More amazing events occurred after the parting of the Red Sea and as the people fled Egypt into the desert as documented in Exodus 15:22-16:36. One event was how the water that tasted bitter was turned into good drinking water after Moses threw a piece of wood into the water (v. 15:26). Another was the glory of the Lord appearing in a cloud as instructions were given about collecting the quail that would cover the camp each evening and bread every morning (verses 16:11-15).

God tested the Israelite community to see if they could follow specific instructions. They were to gather enough quail and bread for one day. Some didn’t pay attention and the food became full of maggots and smelled.

It is important to pay attention and follow instructions. Each day, we should have faith that God will provide for our needs and not just complain about the situation like the Israelites did. Instead, we should make God’s promises our own and be grateful when He does provide.

This day with You Lord, our attention is undivided; and we are thankful for what you have daily provided. This morning is a wonderful time for praise in all the ways You have guided and will continue to provide and guide in the future. Amen.

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Exodus 16-20

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Mark Shields

In the study of Exodus 11-15 over the last few weeks, we studied about the first Passover celebration that has been handed down from generation to generation. God gave instructions for the first Passover. Moses and Aaron communicated these instructions to the Israelite people. They were disciplined to follow instructions and were brought out of the land of slavery.

Traditions help us remember what the Lord has done for us and this gives us confidence for the future. When God is with you there is peace of mind because you are on the brink of something good coming your way. While praying today, make a mental list of the things God has done and give thanks.

Shared in the post Turning Tough Situations into Something Positive were thoughts about how God led His people through a tough situation as they were trapped between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea but then the sea was parted allowing them to escape.

You can be optimistic even in tough situations because that’s when God work’s His miracles. He can clear a path to a brighter future so base your hope and plans for the future on God. Pay attention to the lessons you can learn, listen carefully, and do what is right and your hopes and dreams will come true.

The purpose of this Bible Study Guide is help not only myself but others in creating a daily reading and prayer time. It’s a guide that divides the Bible up in such a way that a person can read a passage each day. Along with the passage are questions to answer, suggested videos to watch, quotes, or pictures to look at.

Also, suggestions on a response to the values or principles brought out in the passage are made. These multi-media tools are utilized to get the mind thinking so one may be inspired to jot down notes. These notes of ideas, thoughts, or plans might be of use for applying God’s Word in our life at work, at home, and within our neighborhoods. The questions for reflection for the study of Exodus 16-20 below will help bring out some thoughts and ideas over the next few weeks.

Exodus 15:22-16:36
What are the amazing events that occur in the desert? How did God test the Israelites in how they collected the food He provided them in the desert? Are you happy with what the Lord provides you each day?

Exodus 17
Is any progress made in the attitude of the people towards God’s ability to work in their life? When faced with trials in life, what is it we should do to become victorious? What are you learning from this study that can orient you in developing a right character and attitude toward God?

Exodus 18
What is Moses’ attitude toward his father-in-law? Does God expect you to do everything? What are some responsibilities you could delegate to others?

Exodus 19
What is the people’s part for the chance to be touched by God’s divine power? What has God done for you? What are some ideas for helping us keep our promises to God?

Exodus 20
What right does God have to demand Israel’s primary allegiance? Examine your average day and determine how much time you spend watching T. V. or the reading the news. How much time is spent studying God’s Word? How do you keep Sunday holy?

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.

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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Son Beam to Every Hope and Dream

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Mark Shields

Shared in the post He Clears the Path to Safety, the lesson was to examine our hopes and dreams and strive to accomplish them in order to give glory to God just as Moses did by creating a path through the sea to the other side.

Keep in mind that God can create a path for us to victory. So this day with God, remember there is no more fear because the path is made clear with His Son beam to our every hope and dream.

Since God always delivers on His promises, let us do like Moses and the Israelites by praising Him with a song. Enjoy today’s video: Hope in Front of Me – Danny Gokey.


For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. – Romans 15:4

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He Clears the Path to Safety

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Mark Shields

After the Red Sea was parted and the Israelites escaped the Egyptian army, the song in Exodus 15:1-21 was inspired. The song praises God who is their strength and power to overcome the enemy. It praises Him for working wonders to clear the path through the sea and to safety for His people but then closed that path so that the sea consumed the Egyptian army.

Moses and the Israelites witnessed the power of God in this instance and on past occasions to give them confidence for the future. We too, should base our hopes and plans for the future on God by paying attention to the lessons we learn; listening carefully in our prayer time for instructions and doing what is right. If so, our hopes and dreams will come true.

This day with You Lord, we give You the praise and are thankful for what we’ve learned today. Let us always remember that when our dreams look to have no chance, You can open a door to clear a path. Even in hard times, we can have joy. Let us never get down but receive inspiration from those who have gone through difficulty and come out stronger on the other side. Let us remember what Jesus went through on the Cross to provide victory over the enemy. Amen.

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