Fulfilling a Purpose

This poem was written to inspire us to step ahead towards our God given purpose.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Fulfilling a purpose
By following a plan
And stepping ahead
Throughout a lifespan.

Out on a mission
To bridge the gap
By changing lives
And following the map.

Beginning each day
With Bible reading
And praying for plans
To follow His leading.

So study His Word,
Write down thoughts,
Come up with ideas,
And connect the dots

God wants to help
Build a great day
He shines the light
To the best way.

He provides the picture
Which is painted for free.
Portrayed in our minds
And becoming reality.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 05-12-2016
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Just What We Needed

The fifth message in the sermon series titled “Never-Never Land” was presented last weekend at the church I worship at. The title of the sermon was “Never Give Up On Grace”. Here is a link to the Sermon Podcast.

Each day, we get a new start by God’s grace. We may miss the mark some days but grace took on flesh and became visible in the person of Christ. Through Christ, we are forgiven and just what we need to be perfect in God’s eye.

To see the worship service live each Sunday morning, just click this link: Worship Service on Facebook. Then look for the latest post where it says Sermon Live. To watch a sermon anytime or place, type in “Sermon Live” in the “Search for posts on this Page” box on the upper left side.

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Paying Attention to the Perfect Example

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

Index of devotionals

 

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Following Instructions

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

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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