Our Greatest Influence

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Mark Shields

Photo from Google Images

The Lord has a great influence upon David. He is acquainted with all areas of David’s life as written in Psalm 139. He knows David’s thoughts, what David is doing, and what David will say. He is with David always in the dark of night or in the light of day. God was with David as he was being formed in his mother’s womb and He is with David each day of his life.

David brought out that there were times when he wanted to escape God’s presence. Just like David, sometimes we do things that we know God does not like. But if we let God influence our life by hating what is wrong and desiring what is right; wanting to have Godly thoughts and are devoted to the things of God, then we can be assured of a positive outcome. We are each wonderfully made and He made you to do big things that can change the world for the better.

What can you praise God for today? What He gives in a plan for life is a treasure and the more you lose yourself in this plan, the more passion you will have. He has made you with strengths you can offer to others. Connect to His power and ask for His help in whatever you do today.

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Questions for Reflection to Help in the Study of Psalm 139-142

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Mark Shields

The study of the first twelve chapters in the book of Daniel was completed and here is a link to all previous devotionals: Index of Devotionals. Also, to review the study the last few weeks along with a synopsis of the lessons learned, here is a link: Answers Received from Daniel 1-12.

The next part of the journey will be Psalm 139-142. If we let the lessons of the Word of God influence our life by desiring what is right; wanting to have Godly thoughts and are devoted to Him, then we can be assured of a positive outcome. We are each wonderfully made and He made you to do big things that can change the world for the better.

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about the journey and will use the questions below to help focus on each passage. 

Accurate Thinking

Psalm 139
What relationship does the Lord have to the totality of David’s life? Why do you think David wants to escape the presence of God? For what things will you both praise God and request from Him today?

Psalm 140
What is David asking God to do for him? What kind of enemies do you have? How does David express his confidence in God?

Psalm 141
What emotions do you think David is feeling as he begins his prayer? In what way can you see humility in David’s attitude? How open are you to the rebuke and correction of other Christians?

Psalm 142
How does David approach God when he is discouraged? What is David’s problem? In what ways do our problems tend to imprison us? How can we have hope in a time of despair? 

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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Poems Inspired by Daniel 11-12

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Mark Shields

After studying Daniel 11-12 this week, there were two poems inspired. Please check them out at these links below:

The Holy Lamb I Accept
King of Kings

Starting Monday, the journey will go back to the book of Psalms for a while. Have a great weekend!

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Look, Listen, and Sing

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Mark Shields

We cannot comprehend all of God’s ways but we can look for Him every day. We can go to Him in prayer and listen. We can sing to Him a song like in this video and praise Him for the gift of His Son: O Praise Him – David Crowder Band.
 

 

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what they have done. – Revelation 22:12

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This Ole’ World and One More

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Mark Shields

Photo from Google Images

My Grandfather had a saying when going through a rough day. The saying was, “This ole’ world and one more”. After reading Daniel 12, I understand more what the saying meant. Even though life is not always pleasant now, we can look forward to a new life in a new world with God forever.

The time mentioned in today’s reading is the Tribulation. A time of worldwide hardships, disasters, famine, war, pain, and suffering before the Second Coming of Christ takes place. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt (v. 2).

Like Daniel, we cannot comprehend all of God’s ways. We go to Him in prayer and listen. We should respond to His directions when received. Keep in mind that there is a reward for those who honor God and promote His ways so that others are brought home to Christ.

This day with God will be amazing because we will be blessed and others will be blessed by you. Let us find comfort in the resurrection for there will be rest in heaven.

 

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