The Lord Provides

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Mark Shields

If you ever run into a situation as described in the post Allegiance to the True King where you must choose between fearing human authority or giving your allegiance to God, choose God because with Him are benefits and resources that no human authority can provide. The ultimate reward is eternity for those who accept Christ.

This Good Friday, sincerely believe that each obstacle will be overcome and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion; celebrating progress throughout this day by praising Him. Start it right now with this video: Revelation Song – Kari Jobe.


Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. – James 1:12

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Allegiance to the True King

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Mark Shields
Praise

Allegiance to the True King

Abraham’s descendants became exiles in Egypt and within the book of Exodus, we get a record of their deliverance from Egypt. In Exodus 1, the change in political climate of Egypt is described after the death of Joseph. A new king came into power in Egypt who felt threatened by the Israelites.

The new king of Egypt tried to stem the population growth of the Israelites in three different ways. First, he put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor (v. 11). Second, he ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill every male child born to the Israelites (v. 16). Third, he ordered every Hebrew boy born be thrown into the Nile River.

The Hebrew midwives feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt instructed them to do and let the boys live (v. 22). Because of their allegiance to God rather than the Pharaoh, God was kind to the midwives and gave them families of their own so the Israelites grew in number throughout Egypt.

Father God, we face situations in life where there is a conflict between what You instruct us to do and what human authorities instruct us to do. Help us to do like the midwives did in today’s passage and give allegiance to You. This day with You Lord, we pray for total focus on Your instructions because with You Lord are all the resources needed and all the rewards that no human authority can provide. We look forward to our future because we know that our decisions to follow You will lead to victory and we are thankful as we pray in Jesus Name. Amen!

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Exodus 1-5

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Mark Shields

I want to take this time to thank all of you my readers. This blog started from a life transformation group several years ago with just a few followers and now has grown to over 1,200 followers. I’ve found it to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are keeping me accountable to daily Bible reading and study. We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing.

So far this year, the journey through God’s Word has been through the book of Acts 1-12. As the journey continues, I will turn to the book of Exodus. During the writing of Exodus, Abraham’s descendants were exiles in Egypt. In Exodus, Moses records their deliverance as a nation.

The mission of this blog is to bring out ways to apply God’s Word in our life at work, at home, and within our neighborhoods. The questions for reflection for the study of Exodus 1-5 below will help bring out some thoughts and ideas over the next two weeks.

 

Exodus 1
How has the political climate changed in Egypt since the death of Joseph? Has anyone or anything ever made life difficult for you? When in tension between fear of God and fear of people or authority to whom do you give allegiance?

Exodus 2
How do the two environments of home and palace contribute to Moses’ education, training, and preparation for leadership? What circumstances lead to Moses’ losing identity as a prince and becoming in exile? What in today’s passage can you use to give you confidence and faith in God’s plan for your life?

Exodus 3
In what ways is the Lord revealing to you the desperation of people? What project does God gives Moses? On what does the success of the project rest?

Exodus 4
What are two more objections Moses raises? What is God’s reply to both? How has God confirmed His call to you after your initial obedience in a given situation?

Exodus 5
In their first skirmish with Pharaoh what do Moses and Aaron ask? What new demands does Pharaoh place on the people? What are the reactions of the people to increased forced labor? How do you react to the pressure of multiplied problems and criticism?

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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The True Leader

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Mark Shields

Any time we have the opportunity to lead others and we are able to achieve some level of success, it’s important to give God all the glory. Any leader should realize that their purpose in life is to glorify God by helping others understand that He is the true leader.

A parent, a leader of a major corporation, a superstar, or whatever station in life; God is the ONE who we should give praise. In the post Give Him the Glory, I shared about King Herod giving a speech and the people honored him by shouting that he was a god. Because Herod didn’t correct them and give praise to the true God, an angel of the Lord struck him down as Herod was eaten up by worms and died (v. 23).

The true superstar in God’s eye are people who connect His power to His people. Like the connection provided by jumper cables that recharges a car battery, we can get interested in others, give them encouragement, and empower them with the Good News. Today’s video is about these thoughts of putting God as the center of our life: Steal My Show – TobyMac.


For everyone who exalts himself with be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. – Luke 14:11 

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Give Him the Glory

Posted on March 21, 2016 by Mark Shields

As written about in the previous post The Power of Prayer, King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church. James was put to death with the sword and Peter was put in prison. Now in Acts 12:20-25, Herod gives a speech and to gain favor with him after the speech, the people honored Herod by shouting that he was a god. Because Herod didn’t correct them and give praise to the true God, an angel of the Lord struck him down as Herod was eaten up by worms and died (v. 23).

Any leader that does not give all the glory to the Lord, is taking a big risk because like in today’s passage, God can set things up to take down a powerful person. All leaders should keep this in mind and lead by praying first and then giving God the glory.

Lord, you are always in control and our prayers make a difference. Let us never compromise with the world to get what we want but know that You rule even government authorities. A leader in any position; including being a parent all the way to being president of a nation should always give glory to You. You are the true leader. In Christ name we pray. Amen!

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