Cultivating, Strengthening, and Cherishing Our Soul

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Mark Shields

If we are dedicated and cultivate, strengthen and cherish our soul, the results are the blessings of God. In time of need, He will not let us down. This day with God, my prayer is that we find trust and peace; that we look forward to the Crown He has for us. Here is a video to start our day in the right direction. Help Me Find It – Sidewalk Prophets.


So you must be brave. Don’t give up! God will honor you for obeying him. – 2 Chronicles 15:7

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Hope in the Lord

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Mark Shields

The psalmist has dedicated his life to praising the Lord as pointed out in Psalm 146. The psalmist points out that those who hope in the Lord are more trustworthy. Many societies put their hope in a government but history has told us that governments are not always trustworthy.

I heard recently that for the first time in the history of the United States, more people are receiving government assistance than are working. Our nation cannot expect to make it if this continues. People have to be willing to go the extra mile for each other and not depend on a government. We must realize that what works is our faith in God and in each other. Incentives have to be put in place to encourage the creation of more jobs and the desire to work.

When we have faith in God instead of government, we will not be let down because our hope is in the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – the Lord, who remains faithful forever (v. 6). Our trust must be in God and in the work for His purposes. Then together, we can uphold the cause of the oppressed, give food to the hungry, and provide for health.

Our love of God and neighbor can best support the alien, sustain the fatherless, and the widow (v. 9). This day with God, let us pray for steadfastness and righteous because it is in our faith that there are true possibilities. Persistence like a stream of water eventually cuts into a rock and if we remain persistent at focusing on the possibilities, we can cut into and go through any obstacle in our way. Praise the Lord for the beauty of nature, for His power, and for our chance to meet with Him in prayer.

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Inspired to Live Each Day to the Fullest

Posted on April 9, 2014 by Mark Shields

David writes about the greatness and graciousness of God in Psalm 145. This inspires David to the point that he praises God in this Psalm and it should inspire us to do the same. We face difficult days but we can overcome by turning our sites on the greatness of God.

We can live each day to the fullest because of the graciousness of God. We have only one chance to live this day so let’s not let it get off track. Let’s take advantage of what God has already done and be excited about the future.

Let’s help others be the best person they can and allow for the abilities the Lord has given them to shine brightly so others can see the light. Here’s a video that captures this thought: Passion – My Beloved (David Crowder Band).


Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. – 1 Corinthians 9:24

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God is Great and Gracious

Posted on April 8, 2014 by Mark Shields

David has a good relationship with God as explained in Psalm 145 giving praise with confidence that he will be with God for eternity (v. 2). David writes that God is worthy of praise because of His characteristics like compassion, love, good works, trustworthiness, and righteousness. David says people respond to God’s characteristics with praise in various ways; by telling others, by praying, and celebrating in song.

David points out that God’s people, His promises, His Creation will praise Him. This Psalm of praise should make a difference in the way we look at others. We should see them as being loved by God and want the best for them. We should help others be the best person they can and allow for their abilities to shine brightly so others can see the light.

God is the sustainer of the universe as He looks on and provides the needs of every living thing; taking a special interest in those who call on Him in truth, those who fear Him, and those who love Him. David’s response is to praise the Lord forever and ever (v21) and we should do the same.

This day with God will be amazing;
So let us show our enthusiasm;
He inspires us to live out loud;
So come along and join the crowd.

Let us pray and listen for instruction;
So we can get things done without obstruction;
Giving God our best is a big plus;
Opportunities are waiting in front of us.

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Blessings Throughout Each Hour

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Mark Shields

Psalm 143 is a prayer of David; knowing that he is not perfect, he turns to God. David was on the run, hiding in a cave away from enemies. David’s desire and our own desire should be that our thoughts are dominated by the uplifting Spirit of God and not controlled by stress and worry. We should be driven by the things of God; ask for help and think of the possibilities.

In Psalm 144, David uses symbols of a rock, fortress, and shield to describe God. He explains that we should rely on God who has power to provide deliverance from deceitful enemies. Prayer is our greatest power. We can receive blessings throughout each hour as we pray. We can make hope become reality through our prayers. We can paint a colorful and detailed picture with God; let Him deliver his blessings from our visions of hope. 

Inspired by reading and studying Psalm 143-144, I wrote a poem and have now included a piano piece into the three minute video below: Blessings Throughout Each Hour.



Tomorrow, I will continue the study into Psalm 145. May God bless you throughout each hour!

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