Psalm 90-93 Questions for Reflection

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Mark Shields

I just finished my study of the book of Nehemiah so here’s a link to all the  studies along this journey so far: Index of Devotionals.  In the study of Nehemiah, I learned that the moment we pray for more of God and less of our own desires, the power to change intangible aspirations into real plans of action are set in motion. Each day can be a challenge and by going to the ONE who created it all and passionately stirring each other up to boldly step ahead, we are ready for any challenge.

As I learned from Nehemiah’s leadership in building the wall to protect the Holy city, great purposes can be achieved when people work together. But In order to succeed in any project that brings positive change, the desire to complete it has to be greater than the fear brought on by those trying to stop it.

Now that the study of Nehemiah is complete, I will continue my journey into the Psalms. We need to grow roots and the best way is by reading some of the Bible each day. Going to God builds momentum for each day so we are in a position to run the day and not let the day run us. Instead, putting things into order will allow small things to lead to big things and doors will be opened. This Day with God reading plan can be used as a tool so that a small amount of reading each day leads to a growing knowledge of God’s Word and ways to apply this knowledge in life. The questions below can be used to stimulate thought about each block of reading.

Psalm 90
Passage Lookup
How does Moses describe the existence of God (See verse 1-2 with Deut. 33:27)? How does God react to human sin? Why? What does God require of you in order to experience his mercy?

Psalm 91
Passage Lookup
What is the prerequisite for the kind of protection we read in this Psalm? Make a list of your fears and troubles for which you want to trust God for deliverance or security.

Psalm 92
Passage Lookup
Why is it good to praise God? What is signified by the images of grass and the palm tree? Which is a symbol of permanence, dignity and fruitfulness? What is the promise for success and prosperity for the Christian?

Psalm 93
Passage Lookup
Compare verse 2 with Psalm 29:10. What qualities of God are being extolled? What happens to God when floods come? To God’s people? Why?

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The Olympics are almost over and many lessons can be learned from sports. One lesson is that it takes a lot of practice and rigorous training to get in shape and stay in shape. Spiritually, how can we be all that God made us to be? Well, in many ways, the same principles are in play. We have to be tough on ourselves and practice until it becomes easier with each passing day. But you’ve got to want to change, receive the power to change, become like Christ, and never go back to the way it used to be. The glue that holds our Spiritual well-being together is the Cross. My hope over this next adventurous stretch of the journey is to continue internalizing God’s Word and stay on course by focusing on the Cross.

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
http://www.family-times.net/

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Beautiful Blogger Award

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Mark Shields

I would like to thank Nizy at http://nackynice.wordpress.com/ who has honored this blog with a nomination for the Beautiful Blogger Award. Nizy is very friendly and positive about life and it comes across in her blog. It’s truly rewarding when recognition is given by fellow bloggers like Nizy.

Here are the rules for accepting this award. Write 7 things about yourself, say thanks to the person that nominated you, and then nominate as many deserving followers you have that are Beautiful Bloggers like yourself.

To follow the rules, here are seven things about myself.

  • Met some great Christian Friends when I moved to Waco, Texas after college
  • Met my wife Donna at a small group from our Church
  • We have one daughter named Ashlee
  • Continue to live in Waco Texas which is 100 miles to the south of Dallas and 100 miles north of Austin
  • Waco is home to Baylor University, a private Christian University
  • Volunteer at my local church as a part of the media/tech team displaying videos and sermon outlines during worship service
  • The bridge you see at the top of this blog is called the Waco Suspension Bridge
  • Before 1869, crossing the Brazos river was dangerous and time-consuming . Due to the location of Waco on the growing Chisholm Trail, this historic bridge helped transform Waco from a small frontier town to a commercial center

Below are the Nominees for The Beautiful Blogger Award.

Sharanelle at http://nothappeninonmywatch.wordpress.com
Mary at http://mytropicalhome.wordpress.com/
Noel and Tess at http://livingforvision.wordpress.com/
Kimberly at http://kimberlymcpherson.wordpress.com/
Hajnalka at http://igerenezek.wordpress.com/

Also, I’d like to introduce you to the growing list of blogs I follow on the right side.

I’m thankful for the friendships, awards, and most of all the ultimate reward in salvation through Jesus Christ. The New Testament rewards us by being the most joyful book in the world filled with the theme of happiness and victory.

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Vacation App

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Mark Shields

We continued the sermon series called “Life Apps” this past weekend at the church I attend. This week’s message is titled “Vacation App” and can be listened to or viewed at this link. There are apps for personal finance, exercise, and many other things we do in life but none of them do what we want unless we use them. It’s the same with God’s Word. There are many useful principles but we must use and apply them to make a difference. Below in black print is an outline of the message which is supplied by the church staff and I added the notes in the blue print as I listened.

1. CHOOSE YOUR PRIORITY.

“So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing?” – Matthew 6:25 (NLT)

Don’t worry …

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will given to you as well?” – Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

God has a pattern for us and that is to seek Him first.

2. APPLY THE LIFE APP OF REST.

“The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray.” Mark 1:35 (NLT)

Spend time with God and spend time in activities that recharge and refresh. It’s God’s will for us to rest so we are physically and mentally ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

“One day soon afterward Jesus went to a mountain to pray, and He prayed to God all night.” – Luke 6i:12 (NLT)

“Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.’ There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” Mark 6:31 (NLT)

3. APPLY GOD’S RULES FOR LIVING.

“Remember to keep the Sabbath holy. Work and get everything done during six days each week, but the seventh day is a day of rest to honor the Lord your God:…” – Exodus 20:8-9a (NCV)

Once time is used, it’s gone so use it wisely and set aside a day of rest. Let God bless you and receive these blessings on His day.

4. MOVE AT A SUSTAINABLE PACE.

Elijah was as human as we are….” – James 5:a (NLT)

“When Elijah heard this, he was afraid and ran for his life…. He sat down under a bush and asked to die….” – 1 Kings 19:3a &4b (NCV)

After great victories, we are high but then we go through valleys.

“ ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he prayed. ‘Let me die. I am no better than my ancestors.’” – 1 Kings 19:4c(NCV)

“Then he lay down under the tree and slept. Suddenly an angel came to him and touched him. ‘Get up and eat.’…Then he went back to sleep.” … The angel touched him and said,… ‘Get up and eat….’ ” – 1 Kings 19:5 a, b; 6b; & 7b (NCV)

Elijah needed this rest to prepare for the purpose God had for him.

“Then Elijah went into a cave and stayed all night. Then the Lord spoke His word to him: ….” – 1 Kings 19:9a, b (NCV)

After victories, take time to celebrate but then get some rest because there’s more that needs to be done.

5. REST, REFLECT, RECHARGE AND THEN RE-ENGAGE.

“Immediately after this, Jesus made His disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake while He sent the people home. Afterward He went up into the hills by Himself to pray….” – Matthew 14:22-23 (NLT)

We underestimate the need for rest. Jesus understood it and teaches us to take care of our mental and physical health so we can do all that God wants us to do. The sustainable plan for rest involves working for six days and then a day is set aside where God blesses us and we bless Him. The Sabbath is a day to rest, reflect, and recharge so we are ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Here’s a video that brings out a lot of points brought out in the message: Healing Begins – Tenth Avenue North.

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God’s Guiding Principles

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Mark Shields

In yesterday’s post, I wrote about some thoughts after reading Nehemiah 13:15-30. The physical wall had been built around Jerusalem but it was the lack of structure within the society that was causing problems. Within the post yesterday, we pointed out something remarkable; in every tissue of our body are proteins called laminin that are the structural scaffolding that we depend on for physical health. Amazingly under a microscope they are shaped just like what holds our Spiritual body together; the cross.

God’s principles never change. A daily devotional time internalizes His guiding principles becoming an instrument which pushes us to focus on Him in every activity throughout our day. Here’s a video to get us going in that direction today: Love The Lord – Lincoln Brewster.

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Structural Principles

Posted on August 6, 2012 by Mark Shields

Nehemiah set out to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem; not only the physical wall but the structural principles of an effective society. The physical wall had been built but as explained in Nehemiah 13:15-30, the people were not living according to the structural principles of God and not being obedient to His way.

Nehemiah set out to restore obedience so that God would be glorified. We need leaders like Nehemiah today; leaders willing to do what’s right even though it might not be popular. Our communities, cities, and work places need people of Nehemiah’s character to rebuild the principles that lead to effectiveness in a society.

Like the body of believers in a society, our own physical body has basic structural needs. In every tissue of our body are proteins called Laminin that are the structural scaffolding that we depend on for survival. Amazingly they are shaped like a cross. Think about it: The basic protein that holds our body together looks just like the cross; the key to holding our Spiritual body together.

Spend a few minutes in silence, putting away the cares and concerns and noise of the day, listening for the Holy Spirit. Remember that the glue that holds our physical body together is shaped like a cross. Remember also that no matter what happens in life, God loves you and He proved it on the cross.

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