This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey | Share The Word

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 115 – 119

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, the journey has taken me through Psalm 110-114. I got a good picture of the Messiah and of the rewarding future. The most joyful writings in the world are found in the gospel because they are about progress, victory, and celebration which are stepping stones to a winning tradition.

Praise God for He is majestic, righteous, compassionate, faithful, and just. Great are the works of the Lord. Take a look at images of nature. A Sunrise, rainbow, waterfall, mountains, fall foliage, snow covered countryside, or sunset. Faith brings light to a dark world and builds momentum for the day.

Let us hold each other’s hand up as we walk by faith. We may not know the intricate details of how things work but we don’t have to as long as we have faith that they work. For example: I don’t know how a light bulb works but I know when I turn on the switch, there is light. Opening up God’s Word is like turning on that switch that lights the path and we can walk by faith.

Also, along my recent journey, there was remembrance of the past brought out in the Psalms. At the ancient festivals of Israel like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles the people would thank God for what He had done. Today, we should praise God for passing over each of us marked with the blood of Christ so that we are spared from death eternal but into life everlasting. There is abundant life and eternal rewards through His Son. His Word provides light for understanding and awareness which provides bright days even during dark times.

The exodus is significant in Israel’s history. Let us acknowledge God’s power and goodness in what He did for Israel. Then apply it to that much greater work of wonder, our redemption by Christ; encouraging ourselves and others to trust in God during difficult times. God sees the big picture and the Bible tells us what He can do. Just rely on how magnificent He has made you and let Him do the amazing part.

Woman Using Her Laptop in a Hammock

As I continue the journey through the Bible, the next adventure will take me to Psalm 115-118. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about the journey and will use the questions below to help focus on each passage. Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of these questions. 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.

Psalm 115
Passage Lookup
Contrast idols and the Lord. What does each do? On What basis does Israel ask for God’s help? What is their confidence?

Psalm 116
Passage Lookup
Why do you love the Lord? How does the psalmist relate to God in the midst of trials? When he has been delivered?

Psalm 117-118
Passage Lookup
Who are called on to praise God? For what reason? How does God respond to those who call on Him? In what way has God given you light?

Psalm 119:1-40
Passage Lookup
What is the purpose of the law of the Lord? The result of keeping the law? How are lips and eyes related to keeping the law? Why is God’s Word essential for life?

Psalm 119:41-88
Passage Lookup
What questions will God’s Word answer? Why? What is the value of God’s law? What is the purpose of your living?

Psalm 119:89-136
Passage Lookup
What questions will God’s Word answer? Why? What is the value of God’s law? What is the purpose of your living?

Psalm 119:137-176
Passage Lookup

List the difficulties which have afflicted the psalmist in spite of his zeal for keeping God’s Word. To what qualities of God does the psalmist appeal? Summarize the benefits of understanding God’s Word.

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.

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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

My Reward is with Christ (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
A Weary Soul Longing for His God! (casey4949.wordpress.com)
The Purpose of Righteousness (frted.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged ancient festivals, Bible, Celebration, Christ, Faith, Fall Foliage, God, Gospel, Israel, Jesus, journey through the bible, Light, Lord, Messiah, Mountains, Passover, Pentecost, Power, Progress, Psalm, Rainbow, rainbow waterfall, Redemption, religion, Rewards, Snow Covered Countryside, spirituality, Sunrise, Sunset, Tabernacles, theology, victory, Waterfall | 10 Comments

He Helps To Finish Strong

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Mark Shields

God sees the big picture and the Bible tells us what He can do. Just rely on how magnificent He has made you and let Him do the amazing part. We can see His presence in the wonders of nature, in new discoveries, and in unbelievable accomplishments in sports. Here’s an amazing video of one sporting event that hopefully inspires you to finish each day strong: Steve Jones British Running Legend.

Never give up because God will replenish your soul to help finish strong.

Faith So Strong (a triolet) (sansburydr.wordpress.com)
Fallen Soldier (fullofrosesinspirationals.wordpress.com)
Staying Strong (thepottershand2011.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Bible, Bible Study, Christian, Christianity, Discoveries, Evangelism, God, Jesus, Nature, religion, Religion and Spirituality, Soul, Sports | 6 Comments

In His Presence

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Mark Shields

Brought out in Psalm 114 is an event that is especially significant in Israel’s history which is the exodus. The Israelites were protected and miracles occurred so they could escape to freedom from Egypt to the Promised Land. In a similar fashion, our deliverance from the bondage of sin is a result of God’s love for us and the miracle of Christ being raised to life so that we may be in the presence of God forever.

Let us acknowledge God’s power and goodness in what He did for Israel. Then apply it to that much greater work of wonder, our redemption by Christ; encouraging ourselves and others to trust in God during difficult times. The presence of God’s Spirit will make things happen. Just like how the seas flee away, rivers part, and the mountains shake in Psalm 114:3-6.

What an amazing world we live in for nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). I hope you enjoy this video: Michael W Smith – Awesome God.

It all begins with prayer so believe that God is present with you now. Ask that you experience His power today and make a mental note of these experiences so you can articulate them with others. Thank God for regenerating our soul and continually improving our walk with Him each day.

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 110-114 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
“What should we learn from the life of Moses?” (altruistico.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Christ, Christianity, Difficulty, Divine presence, Egypt, Encouragement, Exodus, God, http www youtube, Israel, Israelites, life of moses, nothing is impossible with god, Power, Promised Land, Psalm, psalm 114, religion, Spirit, theology | 3 Comments

Following Jesus or Following the Rules

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Mark Shields

The third message in a series called “Not a Fan” was presented yesterday at the church I attend. This week’s message is titled “Following Jesus or Following the Rules” and can be watched at this link. All sermons are available by clicking on Pastor’s Podcast at this link: First United Methodist Church Waco.

Following Jesus is what changes the world. The Pharisees thought they had what was needed but everything they did was for show. They were not real but just pretenders. On the other hand, Jesus is real. He is God with us and our hearts can be transformed so we are committed followers. The rules of the Pharisees didn’t change the world but knowing God does and accepting His grace makes our burdens light.

Woe unto You, Scribes and Pharisees (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Below is an outline of the message. The words in black were prepared by the church staff and the words in blue are notes I included as I listened. Check out the Podcast and keep this question in mind as you watch: Am I just a fan or a completely committed follower of Christ?

1. FOLLOWERS CHOOSE THE HEART.

“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, ‘The teachers of
religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the
Scriptures. So practice and obey whatever they say to you, but don’t
follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach.’ ” – Matthew 23:1-3 (NLT)

Everything the Pharisees do is for show.

“You try to look like upright people outwardly, but inside your hearts
are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.” – Matthew 23:28 (NLT)

2. FOLLOWERS CHOOSE THE RELATIONSHIP.

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You
travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he
becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.” – Matthew 23:15

The laws don’t change hearts but a relationship does.

3. FOLLOWERS CHOOSE LOVE OVER LAW.

“Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple
it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he
is bound by his oath.’ You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or
the temple that makes the gold sacred?” – Matthew 23:16-17 (NIV)

The Pharisees kept the law but they forgot the law of love.

4. FOLLOWERS CHOOSE GRACE OVER GUILT.

“They crush you with impossible religious demands and never lift a
finger to help ease the burden.” – Matthew 23:4 (NLT)

What drives us is grace. The Pharisees crushed the people with impossible rules to follow. Jesus told them they were missing the key which is being real. It’s about a relationship with Christ and following so our burdens are light.

5. FOLLOWERS CHOOSE WHAT REALLY MATTERS.

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You
give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill and cummin. But you have
neglected the more important matter of the law – justice, mercy and
faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting
the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a
camel.” – Matthew 23:23-24 (NIV)

God wants our heart.

Knowledge or Intimacy (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Fan or Follower? (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Day 106 – Matthew 23:1-39; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47 (vesselsofclay.org)
15 Reasons Why You Might be a Pharisee (mtsweat.com)

Posted in Sermon Outline | Tagged Burdens, Christ, Christianity, first united methodist, first united methodist church, God, Gospel of Matthew, Grace, Heart, Jesus, Love, Matthew, Pharisee, Pharisees, Podcast, Relationship, religion, theology, Transformed, United Methodist Church | 27 Comments

The Word of God Planted in a Soul

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Mark Shields

The Word of God planted in a soul with integrity is like seed planted in fertile soil that flourishes into a banner crop.

Photo Credit – Meditations from Zion

We can learn lessons from others in how to live but we can also learn lessons from others in how not to live. Remember how greed put Peter in a difficult situation and he didn’t handle things with integrity in Luke 22:54-71. People may make you an offer that you think you can’t resist but that doesn’t mean it’s in your best interest to take them up on the proposal. A person of integrity desires faith, hope, and love more than fame, fortune, and status.

Maintain integrity by trusting in the Lord, asking Him to examine your heart and mind. Associate with good people, love the Church, and tell others about the qualities of God’s character. Even if people are treating you bad, keep your integrity and keep doing the right thing. If they get you upset and you try to pay them back, you may be the one that gets in trouble. Instead, try to forgive and believe that God will bring victory into your life. Make a decision to be a person of integrity.

To read more about integrity, visit this post: What Integrity Does For Us.