In God We Trust

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Mark Shields

David began to trust in his own powers rather than trusting in God. God was displeased with David in 1 Chronicles 20:1-21:13 as he counted his fighting men. He was proud of his own accomplishments rather than appreciating that it was God’s assistance that gave him victory over enemies. As punishment, David had to make a choice of three years of famine, three months of being swept away before his enemies, with their swords overtaking him, or three days of the sword of the Lord – days of plague in the land, with the angel of the Lord ravaging every part of Israel (1 Chronicles 21:12). David took three days of the sword of the Lord.

David had faith that God would have compassion for him. He couldn’t trust the things of this world but he could trust God in everything because He’s at work even when we can’t see it. His hands can hold us during worry or doubt. 

I read a story once about a young boy fishing with his dad near a bridge. A car lost control and hit the boy going 50 mph. The impact propelled the boy 500 feet, over a few trees and an embankment and into the middle of a mud puddle. Amazingly, the boy not only survived but was able to explain how. He said Jesus caught him in his arms and laid him down in the mud puddle.

It’s hard to understand how many things work; how electricity works or how medical procedures make people well. There are people specialized in certain fields that can explain better than I can. All I know is that amazing things still happen in our world and they are beyond explanation.

Check out this video of a man who falls 47 floors and survives: GodVine Video. 

Do you have an amazing story? If so share it now or contemplate who to share it with. Each day with God is an amazing day because we can go to Him in prayer and He answers with a miracle. Then we can share with others and ask the question, “Can You Believe It?”

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Questions for Reflection – 1 Chronicles 20-23

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, the journey has taken me through 1 Chronicles 17–19. I studied about David who was in search for a place to put the Arc of the Covenant but God gave David a different plan. Many think of David’s son named Solomon as the person to build the Temple of God but most believe the person being put forward as the most significant leader from the “house and lineage of David” is Jesus Christ. Today, we know that in the hearts of all believers is where the Spirit of God dwells. We can be thankful today for the abundant life given through His Son; filling our hearts with peace and our minds with rest. Let Him handle our yesterdays and tomorrows so we can focus on our today.

Also during the last few weeks of study, I noticed that David wanted to glorify God and give Him all the credit so he followed God’s directions. It amazes me when God does great things through His people. Amazing things happen to those who simply follow God’s path. They aim for the moon and even if they miss, God helps them reach the stars. When down to nothing … God is always up to something. Think of Moses parting the Red Sea, Daniel surviving the lions, David defeating Goliath, and Jesus freeing us from sin.

The Lord gave David victory everywhere he went and David gave God all the credit. He did what was just and right for his people. Scripture and prayer are weapons to win spiritual battles. Today we even have the added weapon of Christ our Redeemer. We can claim the sure victory He gave on the cross and share it with others.

David seemed to know how to be sensitive but yet tough on those deserving it. In 1 Chronicles 19:3-5, he shows consideration for his servants by being sensitive to their feelings of embarrassment and telling them to stay low in Jericho for a while until they could get their confidence built up. Let us learn this lesson since we all have friends and adversaries in life and the best way to go is to show respect and consideration for both. As people of this world, we have enough common enemies to face like poverty, disease, earthquakes, and storms. We don’t need to waste our time being cruel to each other.

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about the journey through 1 Chronicles 20-23 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.

1 Chronicles 20:1 – 21:13
Passage Lookup
Why is God displeased with David counting his fighting men? What does David’s choice of punishment reveal about his relationship with God? 

1 Chronicles 21:14-30
Passage Lookup
What retribution does the Lord’s angel bring to Israel? At what point is the destruction halted? Why? What glimpse is given of the shepherd’s heart? How does God show David that he is forgiven? What is David first required to do? 

1 Chronicles 22-23
Passage Lookup
What is David’s reason for assembling materials for the building of the temple? List some of the duties of the Levites. Are there duties you could carry out to help with the worship of God? Consider new ways you can do so in our changing world.

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

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Free to Be Me and Jesus is the Key

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Mark Shields

The song Free To Be Me by Francesca Battistelli is about how we are empowered to be who we are made to be because of the freedom we have and that Jesus is the key.


 

God became flesh and came to earth with a purpose. He was a wonderful teacher who attracted large crowds; giving wisdom and truth to all. What is it about some people that seem to attract large crowds? Over the next few weeks, I’ll do a series of writings trying to answer this question. The first in the series is at this link: Being Pleasant with Others.

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Offering Sympathy

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Mark Shields

Reading from 1 Chronicles 19, I like how David handled the situation with his servants. He immediately empathized with their humiliation and let them stay in Jericho till they could get their confidence back. A leader wants their people to have confidence and be at their best by removing all obstacles that may be in their way.

There are many opportunities each day to have sympathy and be kind not only with each other but also in the animal kingdom.

English: Two Mallard ducklings (Anas platyrhyn...

English: Two Mallard ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos) at the University of Warwick. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s a short one minute video of some baby ducklings in need of help as they faced an obstacle: Ducklings in Need of Help Get Just What They Need.

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. – 2 Corinthians 6:3

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Empathy of David

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Mark Shields

Nahash was king of the Ammonites and friend of David’s when he was fleeing Saul. As recorded in 1 Chronicles 19, David considered him an ally and friend and sent a delegation to morn his death. His son Hanum assumed they were spies. Instead of treating David’s men with thankfulness, he embarrasses them by shaving them, cutting off their garments in the middle at the buttocks, and sending them away (v.4).

What is it today that would cause an embarrassing moment? Say you were told by your boss to attend the funeral of the CEO of a competitor company and the new CEO caused something embarrassing to happen to you. What might your boss do? Well, they might take some advice from what David did. He shows consideration for his people by being sensitive to their feelings of embarrassment and telling them to stay low in Jericho for a while until they could get their confidence built up.

David seems to know how to be sensitive but yet tough on those deserving it. Things only got worse for the sons of Ammon. Since they knew David was fuming, they hired a private army to join in on an attack of Israel (v. 6). The well organized and skilled army of David was ready for battle. With great strategy, they completely obliterate the Ammonites.

We have friends and adversaries in life and the best way is to show respect and consideration for both. As people of this world, we have enough common enemies to face like poverty, disease, earthquakes, and storms. We don’t need to waste our time being cruel to each other. 

Encouragement can make all the difference. What we make happen for others will be given back to us so give a smile and a smile will be given back. Act kind and receive kindness from others. Encourage those around you and step ahead with confidence together.

Be kind under all circumstances and build others up instead of embarrassing them. Let God handle those that are cruel because if we are with God, we are on the side of victory. This day with God will be amazing if we encourage, build up, and humbly pray for others. Try to get across to those around you that no matter what happens in life, God loves them and that is all that matters.

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