Always Here for US

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Mark Shields

From my journey through Daniel 6, I saw how those who opposed Daniel wanted to bring him down but Daniel was a man of faith. The way he lived encouraged king Darius back then and it encourages us today. Like Daniel who decided to join God, we can be successful by joining Him and finding victory in Christ.

The same God that protected Daniel is able to protect us from our enemies. Our God has provided us with a Savior who loves us so much that He is always is going to be there for us. Here’s a song that affirms this truth: My Savior My God by Aaron Shust.


For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. – 1 Peter 1:18-19

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Daniel and the Lions’ Den

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Mark Shields

Reading in Daniel 6, king Darius appointed Daniel as one of the three administrators over 120 governors within the Median/Persian Empire. Daniel was a very distinguished leader and the king thought so highly of him that plans were being set for Daniel to be in charge of the whole kingdom. This made the other administrators and governors so jealous that they schemed against Daniel. They persuaded the king to order a decree which stated: no person can pray to any god or human being (except king Darius) during the next thirty days. If caught, the punishment would be a dinner date with the lions at their place.

After the king published the decree, a group went to spy on Daniel as he prayed to God for help. Then they reported back to the king that Daniel had broken the decree. The news distressed the king because he really thought highly of Daniel but he was under pressure to go through with the punishment; throwing Daniel into the lions’ den.

King Darius couldn’t sleep that night and hurried to check on Daniel the next morning. As he entered near the lions’ den, he called out to Daniel who replied back that God had taken care of Him and the lions had not hurt him. The king then made a proclamation that all people should worship the ONE and only God of Daniel.  Because of Daniel’s faithfulness, he prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian (v. 28).

This day with God, let us take away from this lesson the faithfulness of Daniel who was protected from the lions versus the men who were envious and jealous of Daniel who were devoured by the lions. Let us pray today for God to deliver us from circumstances for which we have no control. Let us ask for more faith. Remember that God delivered Daniel and He can deliver us from any circumstance. Remember that hope gives optimism in a time of despair, faith gives courage in a time of doubt, and love brings victory in a time of hate.

Image Credit – Google Images

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Things of God Last Forever

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Mark Shields

The post yesterday was about the need to focus on the things of God. The things of this world can easily be lost but the things of God last forever. Many times throughout our day, there are distractions that demand our attention. Sometimes we miss the obvious; that God created this amazing world around us.

This day with you God, I pray that I stay focused on Your presence. You are not distant but near. 

Here is a video that highlights God’s beautiful creation all around us: Creation Calls – Brian Doerksen.



The Lord speaks to us through the beauty of His creation; with each sunrise or sunset and every step of the way. May He speak to you today, tomorrow, and every day!

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The Writing on the Wall

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Mark Shields

Reading in Daniel 5, Belshazzar was entertaining a large group of his leaders at a banquet. The mood of Belshazzar was of happiness and of a sense of security because the empire was so great and well protected. No one thought the Babylonian empire would ever be destroyed.

During the banquet, Belshazzar decided to use the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar had seized from the temple of God in Jerusalem. The celebratory group drank wine from the goblets and praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone as they drank.

Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lamp stand in the royal palace (v. 5). The occasion turned from one of happiness to one of fear. The king had his wise men come in to read the writing on the wall but they couldn’t. The queen remembered how Daniel had interpreted dreams so they contacted Daniel.

Daniel explained before his interpretation that Belshazzar had his priorities wrong. He had not humbled himself even though he should have learned from what happened to Nebuchadnezzar. Belshazzar had the same arrogance and pride problem as Nebuchadnezzar. He had also turned from God and he had worshiped idols. Daniel then interpreted the writing on the wall saying in essence that Belshazzar would be killed and the kingdom would be taken over by Darius the Mede. That evening, what Daniel interpreted took place and Belshazzar was killed.

We can only feel a sense of security when we accept the grace of God. We know today that the writing is on the wall for all of us unless we accept Christ as Savior. The things of this world can easily be lost and are of little significance compared to the things of God therefore we should focus more on the things of God. The writing on the wall for Belshazzar was you’re done, you’re finished, and it’s all over.

Lord, as we live this day with you, we pray that we will do what you would want us to do and hope that some day we can see written on the wall “Well done my faithful servant”.

Image Credit – Google Images

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Questions for Reflection – Study of Daniel 5-8

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Mark Shields

This past week, I wrote of my study in Daniel 3-4 and there are also two poems this study has inspired.  Please check them out at these links below:

Boldness Through Prayer
Comebacks After Setbacks

The plan now is to post some thoughts as I spend some time in Daniel 5-8. Over the next two weeks, I will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.

Image Source – Google Images

Daniel 5
Compare and contrast Belshazzar and Nebuchadnezzar. What is the message from God? How does the king respond?

Daniel 6
What is Daniel’s position under the third king named Darius? What happens to Daniel? How do you react when misfortune or ostracism results from godly actions on your part?

Daniel 7
What issues are brought up in Daniel’s dream? What do the beasts represent? As you participate in the establishment of God’s kingdom, what situations, tasks and problems do you find personally tough?

Daniel 8
Having seen who is ultimately in authority, what revelation is given to Daniel in his second dream? Who is represented by the symbols? What is Daniel’s reaction to what God shows him of the future?

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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