It is Good to Praise God

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Mark Shields

It is good to praise God because when our hope is in His unfailing love; we receive rewards like wonder, inspiration and security. We in turn are rewarding Him because of our praise.

There is a relationship between the Word of God and things of nature. They both are His Creation and they both teach us lessons that we can apply to everyday living.

Here is a video that highlights this thought that God’s Word and His Creation are interrelated: Word of God Speak -MercyMe.  I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend.



For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. – Proverbs 2:6

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Let Us Praise Him

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Mark Shields

As written in Psalm 148, different aspects of the heavens are to praise God like the angels, moon, and stars. Various parts of the earth like sea creatures, weather, mountains, trees, animals, birds, and of course people are to praise God so He is exalted and gives strength to all creation.

The nature and order of creation indicates what God is like. A few words to describe Him are powerful, majestic, resourceful, and dependable. After studying this psalm, what can we praise God for? When we look up at the bright white stars at night or look out over a meadow of green countryside or the blue waters of an ocean during sunset, we can praise Him. We can praise Him in music, we can praise Him in art, we can praise Him in conversation with a friend, or in everything we do.

In Psalm 147:16, the overall picture I get is a peaceful winter scene like below.

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The white snow covers the ground and makes it look clean and pure but underneath it is cold and without life. Then, God’s word can thaw out the coldness of winter we feel inside and the Holy Spirit like the wind blowing during days of warmth stirring up the rains of spring can help us understand that it is God who truly reigns. We are then stirred like flowers of a field for new growth like the picture below.

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In Psalm 148, the overall picture I get is this relationship between God’s Word and things of nature. They both are His creation that provide principles we can learn from and apply in how we live. These principles can be studied and be used in how we put priority in what we do, in planning for how to go forward, and in helping us be inspired to step ahead.

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The Rewards of Wonder, Inspiration, and Security

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Mark Shields

It is good to praise God because when our hope is in His unfailing love; we receive rewards like wonder, inspiration and security. We in turn give back to God by rewarding him with our praise. Here is a video that does just that: O Praise Him – David Crowder Band. 



Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. – Psalm 100:1-2

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Depending on God for Needs

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Mark Shields

As written in Psalm 147, it is good to praise God because He can build up or restore a city like Jerusalem (v. 2). This Psalm was probably written after the return of the Jews from exile in Babylon. Not only should we praise God for His help in building up a city or nation but there are other reasons to praise God which include healing the brokenhearted, providing rain for the grass to grow, and food for His creation. God is concerned for the well-being of all His creation so their needs are received and their hope is in His unfailing love.

Balance in life is the key for we are to respect God because it is not good to totally rely on being self-sufficient but having a dependence on Him for our security and health. The overall picture I get from this psalm is winter turning into spring. The white snow of the first winter storm covers the ground, mountains, and trees. Then out the coldness of winter, the Holy Spirit like the wind stirs up the rains of spring for new growth.  The picture I get is that with God, everything He created is in a perfect balance which is exactly what God has always intended.

This day with God, let us respect Him for His awesome power and creation. Let us be thankful for His written Word that gives those who understand and apply a great advantage in life. Let us balance fear with confidence in God’s blessings.

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Psalm 147-150

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Mark Shields

My hope is that you all have a blessed Holy week as we remember the love Jesus has for all of us.  As my Pastor talked about in his message yesterday, Jesus showed us what the world can be like when there is love of God, love of our neighbor, and we serve the needs of each other.

After studying Psalm 143-146 last week, there were two poems inspired. Please check them out at these links below:

Reach out and Receive the Joy
Praise and Worship

Tomorrow, the journey continues through Psalm 147-150 as I use the questions below to help reflect on each passage.

Psalm 147
Why is it good to praise God? About what is God primarily concerned in his creatures? Why? What overall picture do you get from this psalm?

Psalm 148
What does the nature and order of creation indicate about what God is like? In what ways can you more effectively praise God after studying this psalm? Compare the overall picture of God you received from this psalm to that you received from Psalm 147.

Psalm 149
What people have reason to praise God? What characteristic is linked to the victorious life? Why? How does it relate to God’s pleasure?

Psalm 150
In what locations is God to be praised? List the mighty deeds God has done that have specifically affected your life. How can you praise God today?

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. 

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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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