He Gives Us The Victory

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Mark Shields

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:5

A takeaway from “He Will Pull Us Through” is that nothing can hold us down. Destiny says we are empowered to be pulled to the top because of God’s plan. So prepare for and expect victory because our Savior loves, our Savior lives, and is always there for us.

Listen to the song Empty Me by Jeremy Camp. We must be emptied before we can be filled. Think of ways to be emptied of things like selfishness and pride. Then think of how you can be filled with God’s purpose.

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Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

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He Will Pull Us Through

Posted on September 30, 2024 by Mark Shields

We are never 100% prepared for anything in life. There may be times when we feel like we are underwater, sinking to the bottom of the abyss, and drowning. We must have faith that God will pull us through. He has a purpose in everything that happens.

From our previous studies, God used the Assyrians as instruments of wrath. They were looking like a sure winner against the people of Israel, but our response should be “hold on”. He has the whole world in His hands, and can pull His people up from the abyss.

Reading today in Isaiah 14, we are given a prophecy that the mighty empire that holds Israel captive will be destroyed. The Lord Almighty will rise up against them (v. 22). There will be repercussions like war, disasters, famine, and disease.

God’s victory over Assyria demonstrates that God’s plan always brings victory in our life if we let Him in so let us go to Him in prayer. Let us ask for direction and the will to carry them out knowing His power will provide what is needed to get us out of the abyss so we can see a brighter future.

Nothing can hold us down. Destiny says we are empowered to be pulled to the top because of God’s plan. So prepare for and expect victory because our Savior loves, our Savior lives, and is always there for us.

Father God … You are the good in this constant war between good and evil. We feel at times that we are drowning but if we hold on to You, we will be pulled up. We are emptied of selfishness and pride and filled with your purpose. Your plan of a Savior who loves, a Savior who lives, and a Savior who is always there for us pulls us up from the abyss, and we are thankful. Amen.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

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Thought From Devotional 09-27-2024

Posted on September 27, 2024 by Mark Shields

A thought from reading John 10:1-21 is that Jesus is the good shepherd or the Word in the flesh so you can listen, understand, and obey; be led to the green pastures, take in the principles taught by Jesus, and be able to apply these principles in how you live.

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Isaiah 14 – 22

Posted on September 26, 2024 by Mark Shields

We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. The below Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles. At all stages of life, the Bible is helpful in providing what is needed to thrive in life. If you have not done so yet, click the follow button on the top right side of this page to be notified of future posts.

Isaiah 14 – What is to be the repercussion from the collapse of the mighty empire that holds Israel captive? What will God’s victory over Assyria notably demonstrate? With Assyria looking like a sure winner, what would be your response to this oblique advice?

Isaiah 15-16 – What is the background of Moab-Judah-Israel relations (See 2 Kings 3)? To what is Moab suddenly reduced? What about today’s passage can be shared to stop our own national tragedy? Who should our hope be in when facing trouble?

Isaiah 17-18 – To what extent do you think God is working in the history of nations today? Why? What will enjoy peace in a land where humanity cannot work it out? Who do you trust more: God or humanity?

Isaiah 19-20 – How is the mighty Egypt to collapse?  On what premises will a reconciliation in the Middle East be established between these mutually suspicious and hostile parties? What does major highway construction in the area (19:23) suggest about the traffic patterns? Where should a nation turn when facing internal and external pressure?

Isaiah 21 – Having often pointed to a dawning of peace and international recovery for the nations, what happens to Isaiah’s own twilight-dawn (See Isaiah 8:20-22)?  With Assyria and Egypt reduced to impotence, what hope of dawn is left when the third Big Power is darkened? What answer is given to the call about the blackout (v. 11)? Is the answer encouraging? When God is judging, where is the only safe place for you?

Isaiah 22 – What was Jerusalem’s defenses? What reforms within the city does Isaiah demand? To what extent do you make yourself responsible to God in any position of authority you have? Why?

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments.

To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

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Spiritual Journey Through Isaiah 7-13

Posted on September 25, 2024 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in Isaiah 7-13 and sharing some thoughts that not only can benefit us now but also help the next generation too! The greatest of all possessions one can hand off to future generations are the guiding principles taught from the Word of God.

A takeaway from the post Stand Firm in Your Faith is that God in His time will solve pressing problems. He gave a sign during the time of Isaiah that Jesus would be born. It took time for the birth of Jesus, but things needed to be set up and fulfilled in His perfect timing. God cares for us and will set things right if we just have patience during times of difficulty.

As pointed out in Clarity Fills Emptiness With Greatness, we face tough challenges, opponents, and those who just hate who we are but God can help. God’s Way is the best way, so let us take courage to stand firm in faith, go to Him in prayer, and be determined to step ahead with patience in carrying out His plan for us.

The people were living in dark times as Isaiah prophesized about Jesus being born. As brought out in Dawning Light, God’s plan breaks through in the darkness, because hope is in the living God and the Wonderful Counselor. In Christ, who lived on earth, was crucified, rose, and continues to live. He changed the world in every way and has had the most extensive impact on this day and on future tomorrows.

A takeaway from reading Isaiah 9:8-10:19 and giving some thought to our current situation in the world is that strengths and talents are given by God. Brought out in the post Inabilities Are God’s Possibilities is the need to be humble and give the credit to Him. Let us not put too much pressure on ourselves and take life too seriously because the only one who can get us out alive is God himself.

A thought from New Growth Takes Courage is that when things are cleared and emptied, something new can come about that is unique and neat that helps us to grow. All one has to do is clear the weeds, thorns, and briars that stop growth from occurring. Then, something new begins to grow and we can celebrate with songs like Here Is Our King – David Crowder Band.

As explained in Planning for the Future, God has a purpose in everything that happens. To fit into that purpose and glorify His name, we need to constantly be aligned with His way by studying scripture and going to Him in prayer. Also, to constantly think about what we can do, what we need to read, and who to ask for help. By accepting Jesus, there is direct access to the Holy Spirit for direction.

Keep up with my spiritual journey over the next few weeks either through following this blog by clicking the follow button on the top right side of this page or by liking the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Let’s share thoughts or ideas about applying our faith as we step ahead along the path to victory.

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