Devotional

Posted on September 19, 2009 by Mark Shields
 
Something you may have seen on the news this past week was the father that caught the ball at the Phillies baseball game and celebrating by giving the ball to his little daughter. She took the ball and threw it over the side to the fans below. The reaction of the father was oh no!!! Then he lifted up his arms to say – Why? Then the little girl comes to him and he embraces her. Click this link: daughter throws ball back.
 

There are certain characteristics about this little girl’s father that we can celebrate. He didn’t respond with anger but realized that it was the moment together and the memory that was more important than the ball itself. These are the same characteristics we also celebrate in God. Many times I’m sure God’s reaction is oh nooo!!! Then he lifts up his arms to say – Why? Then we come to God and He embraces us.

 

 

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This Week’s Devotional

Posted on September 11, 2009 by Mark Shields
 
The book of Psalms is 150 spiritual songs and poems and they are often called the psalms of David because he was the author of a large number of them. They were praise songs to God. Psalm 66-67 is about looking back at the past and realizing how faithful God had been for all of those years. This gave God’s people faith and enthusiasm to keep going. There is a modern praise song that has the same idea. Click this link: Walk By Faith – Jeremy Camp. As we enthusiastically praise God, it attracts others to walk by faith, put their hope in God, and accept God’s mercy through the loving gift of His son.
 

Even though songs of today are different from those in David’s time, they can be used for the same purpose. God has done great things in the past and continues to do great things for the present. With the new technology of today, we can always stay connected for Spiritual pick-me-ups at anytime, anyplace, and at a low cost. The Internet makes it easy to look up Bible verses, be inspired by praise videos, or share ideas with friends.

 

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Thoughts From Personal Bible Study

Posted on September 5, 2009 by Mark Shields
 
My favorite Bible reading this past week was from Psalm 58. David faced many enemies but his faith never let him give up. He stood up to his enemies because he listened not to those that doubted him but only to the voice of truth. There’s a song by a group called Casting Crowns that talks about this same kind of faith that David had. Here’s the link: Voice of Truth – Casting Crowns.
 

Life is not always fair but you can be a part of creating a better future by going to God in prayer and listening to the voice of truth. He can lay out a path that provides home field advantage and help secure daily victories.

 

 

 
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Thoughts From Personal Bible Study

Posted on August 28, 2009 by Mark Shields
 

My favorite Bible reading this past week was from Psalm 56. David faced many situations as his enemies were after him but he kept on going. He didn’t get discouraged but kept thoughts of God’s compassion in mind. There is a song that tells who we can go to in difficulty. Click this link: Shelter Me – Bruce Carroll, Billy Sprague and Bob Bennett  

 

David called out to the one that can calm the sea and trusted His power to grant relief. Today, if someone turns against you just like they did David, you can have that same confidence because God has shown concern for you. As a follower of Christ, God is with you. There is poise and the attitude embraced can be positive because there is confidence that everything is going to turn out all right and the future is bright.

 

 

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Thoughts From Personal Bible Study

Posted on August 22, 2009 by Mark Shields
 

My favorite Bible reading this past week was from 2 Samuel 24. David became proud of what he had accomplished and didn’t give God any credit for his success. A plague was imposed on the people as punishment so David built an altar to make sacrifices for the purpose of bringing the plague to an end.

 

We can be thankful today because the sacrifice has already been made through Christ. This sacrifice allows us the opportunity to go to God each day to read His word and receive the counsel of the Holy Spirit.  

 

 

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