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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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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