Our Heart’s Desire

Posted on August 29, 2013 by Mark Shields

Solomon in 2 Chronicles 1 was asked by God what he wanted (v. 7). What would be your request? Would it build up the body of Christ? In asking this question, we are trying to discover our hearts desire. Solomon simply asks God for wisdom and knowledge to lead and because God was pleased with the request, He gave Solomon not only this request but also wealth, riches, and honor.

Photo Credit – bibleencyclopedia.com

What gift would you most like to receive now? What God gives in a plan for life is a treasure and the more you lose yourself in this plan, the more passion you will have. The plan I believe God has given me is to invest in helping others see the benefits of knowing His Word by using skills in writing and technology to help spread the Good News.

My prayer this day with God is to stop thinking my way and start thinking God’s way. Some may lead small lives and argue over small things but not those who follow Christ. Some may leave their future in someone else’s hands but not those who follow Christ. As Christians, we are in His hands. Let us then be happy with this gift God has given and not covet things that are fatal snares to the soul.

 

Related articles
Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Questions for Reflection in the Study of 2 Chronicles 1-5

Posted on August 28, 2013 by Mark Shields

Since I finished a study in the Book of Ecclesiastes, I’ve summarized some thoughts and lessons in a poem at this link: Applying Ecclesiastes.

Over the last few weeks,  some great lessons have been learned from Ecclesiastes. Now the plan is to continue my journey through the Bible.

Next stop is 2 Chronicles; a continuation of the record begun in 1 Chronicles and a supplement to the book of Kings. The first part (2 Chronicles 1-9) concerns David’s son Solomon, and the next part (2 Chronicles 10-36) is concerned with the history of Judah or Israel which is a dark picture of instability and apostasy, interspersed with periods of spiritual reformation.

In the last chapter, Judah is destroyed and the people are taken into exile in Babylon. In the last verse, the Persian king Cyrus conquers Babylon, authorizes the restoration of the Temple of Solomon, and the exiles return.

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

Photo Credit – caryschmidt.com

2 Chronicles 1
Passage Lookup
Try to imagine yourself in Solomon’s position in verse 7. What would be your request? What does Solomon receive from the Lord in addition to the gift of wisdom? Who will benefit the most from the gift he has requested? What gift would you most like to receive right now? Why?
 
2 Chronicles 2
Passage Lookup
What testimony about the Lord is included in Solomon’s message to King Huram? How much can people learn about the Lord from your life and words? Do you have purposes that exalt the Lord?

2 Chronicles 3-4
Passage Lookup
Note the attention given to detail. What is implied here about the importance of art? How does your activity in God’s service compare with Solomon’s with regard to time, care and quality?

2 Chronicles 5
Passage Lookup
What is inside the Ark? Why? What characteristics of God are most emphasized by the actions of the priests and the people?

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.
 
__________________________________________
 
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

 

Related articles
Posted in Questions for Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Memories That Inspire

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Mark Shields

My study of Ecclesiastes has come to a close. The lesson for me is to be able to look back on life with memories that inspire and to start building those memories now. To keep the lamp burning, add the fuel of praise. Keep returning to God with humbleness, resist discouragement, and renew daily in payer. We should focus on what is truly important like the ways of the Father rather than the insignificant things that only add to worries in life. Go to God in prayer, receive His help, and rely on Christ.

God is not distant but near and to stay focused on His presence, we can click on the Internet through our laptop, phone, or tablet and be reminded of His amazing truth throughout our day. A life of worship to God, reverence, and love is meaningful. Here’s a video that inspires these activities: The Stand – Hillsong 
 


Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. – Matthew 6:34

Related articles
Posted in Ecclesiastes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Follow His Way

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – afterthemass.blogspot.com

The journey into Ecclesiastes 12 gives good advice on our main priority and what we should put our focus on. We should resolve to follow God because everything is meaningful when attention is on His way.

The images in this reading describe an older person who regrets not doing more in life. They are now more afraid to go out on a limb to pursue success. They no longer desire the finer aspects of life; of good food, drink, music, and other delights. The author who is thought by many to be Solomon advises to be wise in God’s way from an early age when there is passion so then over a lifetime there is much growth in how life should be lived.

No one knows what life will bring but one thing is sure, we all want to reach senior years with good memories. We all want to look back and have no regrets and take on the challenges of our elder years knowing that God has prepared a place in glory with Him.

This day with God, meditate on His Word. Spend a few minutes in silence, putting away the cares and concerns and noise of the day, listening for the Holy Spirit. Declare your praise and thanksgiving to the Lord of All.

Related articles
Posted in Ecclesiastes | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Passionately Live For God

Posted on August 25, 2013 by Mark Shields

It is not the outlook but the up look that really matters.  I pray that this video will give an up look or lift for your day and that you will passionately live it for God as we work together for His glory: The Proof of Your Love – For King & Country.



So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31

Related articles
Posted in Ecclesiastes | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments