Psalm 79

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Mark Shields

Imagine we have traveled back in time today and we see the city of Jerusalem destroyed like in Psalm 79. God’s people are in terrible condition, Jerusalem has been reduced to rubble, and there is no one to bury the dead. Imagine the psalmist is next to us pleading for compassion.

Now, reflect on today’s reading. What lesson is God teaching? One lesson for me is that what makes good common sense is to simply accept God’s gift of His son, be thankful, and continue to praise God for His mercy. By accepting God’s gift of His son, we are right with Him and life is good. Otherwise, we are separated and life is one big unsettling letdown.

My hope is that you will be moved by this video: Word of God Speak by MercyMe. That it inspires you as you spend this day with God.

 

 

People may doubt what God can do but it’s really simple. It’s about praying, being a good person, working hard, doing your best, using common sense, and accepting the love of God in Christ. Let us be thankful that we can ask for forgiveness in Jesus name and our sins are forgiven; then God’s loving kindness is with us and our future days with Him are victorious because no matter what happens in life, God loves you and that is all that matters.

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Psalm 78:42-72

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Mark Shields
David and Goliath, a colour lithograph by Osma...

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From the book “Game Plan for Life”, Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias writes, “In real terms, the New Testament is easily the best attested ancient writing in terms of the sheer number of documents, the time span between the events and the document, and the variety of documents available to sustain or contradict it. There is nothing in ancient manuscript evidence to match such textual availability and integrity”.

God’s word is a solid record of how we should live. Today’s reading in Psalm 78:42-72 teaches us that God has a purpose in everything as we look back at history and remember His great wonders, the guidance He gives, and the protection He gives. One king He chose was David who worked as a shepherd but with God’s help became shepherd of His people who reigned as a person of principle, of character, of integrity. Though force is what the people understood when they saw David kill the giant, it was his faith in God; more solid than the rock he used as the weapon that ultimately led to victory

Today, I’m praying to learn and apply the principles God gives us in the Bible; asking him to search inside my soul and clear out what shouldn’t be there.

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Psalm 78 – 80 Questions for Reflection

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Mark Shields

The reading plan below can be used as a tool for daily Bible study at any place or any time. My hope is that the readings, questions, and the experiences you have throughout each day allow you an opportunity to truly experience a deeper relationship with God. “This Day with God” devotional is here to guide your thoughts and prayers. It’s here to open up the Scriptures with ideas that may help you apply them. It’s a tool to enhance communication about faith and have an effect on how we learn from each other. It’s about providing the type of freedoms people need in the busy world in which we live.

Psalm 78:42-72
Passage Lookup

How would this recounting stir the Israelites’ memory? What quality of God is most predominant in this hymn? Summarize the effectiveness of David’s reign.

Psalm 79
Passage Lookup

What has happened to the people of God?  Why will deliverance be an occasion for praise? To what extent do individuals and nations taunt God today?

Psalm 80
Passage Lookup

How has the nation of Israel been like a vine? How has God prepared and tended it? How is God’s intervention necessary for life? What is the purpose of the strength God gives you?

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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978

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Psalm 78:1-41

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Mark Shields

English: Home bible study with the help of a b...In Psalm 78:1-41, God is calling attention for each generation to learn His  principles, know about His power, and recognize His wonders so they can be passed along to future generations. A daily devotional like “This Day with God” internalizes his guiding principles; becoming an instrument which pushes us to focus on Him in every activity throughout our day.

My Pastor, Steve Ramsdell said in a sermon that we should expect God’s presence all the time. We may not know it but God can be present in the things we read, the experiences we go through, or the people we meet. For inspiring sermons, visit this link: Sermon Podcast.

In today’s reading, the psalmist uses the image of God’s people being dissatisfied as they were being lead to the Promised Land to depict Israel’s disloyalty. He did so much for them but they were never satisfied; testing God to do even more because of their lack of faith.

Even though God led the people out of Egypt with such marvels as dividing the sea, guiding them with a cloud by day and light from the fire all night, and splitting rocks in the desert for water; they were not thankful and forgot how He had blessed them. The lesson for us is to pay attention to God. Choose His help by claiming his promise and putting Him first in our family, finances, and even in the fun we have.

We have the advantage today of seeing the full picture. How God loves us so much that He gave His Son to die for us. Today, we can walk by faith with purpose and with persistence. We can accept God’s word and kindness; admiring His patience and mercy during times when we are forgetful or thankless. This day with God we can express our thankfulness in prayer.

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Psalm 77

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Mark Shields

God can change our way by giving us a new perspective; offering us a new vista of hope for each new day. We have a fresh start with the difference maker Christ giving rise to a victorious finish.

Each year, my church has a “God and Country” service for July 4th. As I listen to the patriotic music, I realize that freedom is so important. It’s the same with Christianity as we receive freedom from things like fear, weakness, and doubt. The video below: Take Me Higher – Lincoln Brewster  gives that feeling of freedom and appreciation. My hope is that it inspires you as you spend this day with God.

The psalmist in Psalm 77 is in continual despair but after considering the mighty works of God in former times is lifted higher. Consideration is given to when Moses led the people through the sea and then through the wilderness into the Promised Land. This memory encouraged the psalmist and it can encourage us today and into the future. Times of trouble are times that we should seek God in prayer. When doubt is working inside, suppress it with the remembrance of the works of God and the ultimate remedy; His own Son who He gave for us all.

Today, I’m going to God in prayer with thankfulness for His promises. He can turn a down day upside down and create a wonderful day as we spend it with Him. If you have times where you feel a little down, remember that no matter what happens in life, God loves you and that is all that matters.

This day with God will be amazing because we will be able to share about why it was amazing and this may lift someone higher for an amazing tomorrow.

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