Living Out Our Faith

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Mark Shields

In the post “Pray for What You Say and Do”, I wrote about David’s prayer and about being careful in how we respond to criticism. Like David, we should pray that our response to criticism is with tact. We should try to see the critique as giving us valuable feedback. We should take this feedback before God in prayer with humility asking that His power work through us.

Words can cause a lot of pain to others and leave a wound that never goes away. Words can inspire others or they can cause others to go away and not want to come back. They can cause a loss in customers and cause a person to be fired from their job. Here’s a powerful video about what words can do: Words – Hawk Nelson.


Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; Keep watch over the door of my lips. – Psalm 141:3

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Pray for What to Say and Do

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Mark Shields

Photo from Google Images

It seems as though David is in a crises situation as he goes to God in prayer to ask what to say and do. David’s attitude as I read Psalm 141 is one of humility and he is open to rebuke and correction (v. 5).

I had some blood work a while back as part of an annual wellness exam. After getting the results, I was told that my Triglyceride count was border-line high. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood which is bad for your heart. I was told I need to lose some weight and limit fats and sugars in my diet.

Like David, I need to be open to criticism. It would do me some good to do away with that extra piece of pie; the supersize order to go with my Big Mac which includes extra greasy fries and super size soda.

Like certain types of food, sin can seem delicious and tasty but it doesn’t last long and is bad for the heart. The worldly things that taste sweet at first ultimately become bitter but God’s Word is always sweet and wholesome. The gifts of the Spirit planted in the heart will last forever.

This day with God, be inspired by the fact that our Creator of the universe with over 100 billion galaxies with each galaxy having billions of stars thinks that every person is so important that He sent His Son to die on the cross for them. You and I are His greatest creation of all. Because we know this, let us pray that we treat everyone with kindness and tact.

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Seek what is True and He will Get You Through

Posted on March 21, 2014 by Mark Shields

From Google Images

In studying Psalm 139-140 this week, what I noted was that we should hate what is wrong and desire what is right. We should desire to have Godly thoughts. If we are devoted to the things of God, then we are assured of a positive outcome.

Also, during times of worry or fear, we need to believe that God is for us. We need to be encouraged by what He has done for us in Christ. For with God is love and with love is purpose and with purpose is courage. 

Here is a poem in which the study this week has inspired: The Weapon of Prayer. Starting Monday, the journey will go into Psalm 141-142. Have a great weekend!

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The Lord Your God Goes with You

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Mark Shields

This day with God will be amazing because He is like a mountain; standing rock solid over time and protecting us in our time of need. We can take courage, for God is there for us.

Here is today’s video to inspire your day: Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) – Chris Tomlin.
 

 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6

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His Presence Protects

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Mark Shields

Image from Google Images

David is asking God to give protection from evil men. As described in Psalm 140, evil men are described as being violent and always stirring up war. They set up evil plans that trap David. But God’s presence protects. There is confidence because David goes to God in prayer to ask for help and there is faith that there will be deliverance.

We might not face people that are physically trying to kill us but we do face enemies. Our enemies today may include the pressure to go along, apathy, or the reluctance to make a stand against those that want to exclude religion from schools, civil affairs, and public concerns.

During times of worry or fear, believe that God is for you. Be encouraged by what He has done for you in Christ. For with God is love and with love is purpose and with purpose is courage.

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