This Day With God

Ascribe to the Lord – Psalm 29:1-3

Mark Shields — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:07:15 +0000

Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
The God of glory thunders,
The Lord thunders over the mighty waters.

In all that you do, give God the glory. Live for Him and glorify Him with your talents and gifts; all that you do for your family and in your career. Here’s a video about handing things over to God and taking it to a new level: Steal My Show – TobyMac.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. – Luke 14:11

Psalm Sunday- Psalm 18 (amomlookingup.wordpress.com)
Psalm 119:145-152; Psalm 93 – The Lord Reigns (graceofourlord.com)
Sunday Psalm – Psalm 8 (tommiastablet.wordpress.com)

The Glory of God

Mark Shields — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:19:32 +0000

A new series called “Isn’t It Amazing” was presented this past weekend at the church I attend. We are taking a look at some of the basics of our faith … this week the message is titled “The Glory of God”. The sermons can be listened to or watched by clicking on the link called Pastor’s Podcast on the page at this link: First United Methodist Church Waco.

Below is an outline of the message. The words in black were prepared by the church staff and the words in blue were notes I included as I listened.

To God be the Glory. God’s glory gives weight, power, and significance to our own life.

1. Give yourself completely to God.

Exodus 40:34-35 – God’s goodness filled the whole tent

Luke 2:9 – God’s power is fearsome

Romans 3:23 – We are cut off from God’s glory because of sin

We sometimes want to accumulate glory for ourselves but that never works. Glory is the by-product of a glorious God.

2. Love God as God has loved you.

John 1:14 - God’s Word became human and lived among us

1 Peter 4:11 – God is Big Enough to help us in any situation

We reflect God’s glory into the world by how we help others during times of difficulty

3. Obey God’s Word consistently.

John 17:1-10 – Before Jesus died, he prayed this prayer out of His obedience to God

4. Reach out to people like Jesus did

2 Corinthians 3:18 – Everybody loves to be praised. God made us for affirmation.

2 Corinthians 4:15 – Our desire for fame is a parody of what God made us to be

5. Yoke with other believers

2 Corinthians 9:13 – We glorify God in our gifts, our songs, our worship, and gatherings

1 Corinthians 10:31 – Give glory to God in all you do.

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the church. There was a mighty wind and fire. God was so glorious and people reflected that glory because they were spirit-filled. This reminded me of a poem I wrote recently about the events leading up to and on the day of Pentecost at this link: Spirit-Filled.

Signs in the Clouds (blessedaaron08.wordpress.com)
What Is God’s Glory? (pastorltd.wordpress.com)
Keepin’ It Real: My Thoughts on Life and Death (ministryinwords.wordpress.com)
Unleashing the glorious inner you!!!! (divinelygrafted.wordpress.com)
To God Be The Glory (dianasymons.com)

Solid Footing

Mark Shields — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:58:45 +0000

Some days, it’s hard to get our footing just like in this video:

Doggy Wakes Up From a Nap and What He Does is Hilarious

Going to God when I first awake puts me on solid footing that keeps me upright and steady. He will give assurance during my walk to keep me upright even in a slippery secular society that many times keeps us sliding in all directions.

Remember that the script of our life is written with a pencil. God has the eraser. He is there to help us make the needed adjustments if we get off course. So like in yesterday’s post, Go For It!

Weekly Letter #20 Kingdom Thinking Part 6 (dean74blog.wordpress.com)

Go For It

Mark Shields — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:04:55 +0000

When difficulties and dangers are greatest, the psalmist in Psalm 121 gets comfort and help from the Lord. The Lord protects from harm throughout life. Never going off duty day or night, He protects from the heat of everyday issues and He guards us in the darkness of a secular society that secretly tries to kill the soul. As we journey away from dangerous places to safe places and into eternity, we can rest assured that the creator of the cosmos is in full control of our body, soul, and mind.

God is big enough to be a sufficient helper. As we face deadlines at work, He makes sure obstacles are removed. As we handle crisis situations with family, He is the wisest counselor. As we struggle with health issues, there is comfort in knowing He is the great physician. As we face schedules that wear us down, He provides the stamina to never give up. All we have to do is go to Him in prayer and our issues are resolved in His perfect timing.

This day with God will be amazing as we notice the sun come up providing food and energy for every living thing. Then in the evening, we will notice the moon and be amazed that someone has actually walked on it and returned back to earth. Yes, we can be amazed at the cycles of each and every day, each and every season, and each and every decade and look forward to the dawn of improved tomorrows.

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 120 – 123 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
How Do You Pray When Overwhelmed? (callforfireseminar.wordpress.com)
Psalm 12:6 – And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, (church4u2.wordpress.com)
The Bible: meaning in poetic form (kathybrasby.wordpress.com)

Touched with Something Different

Mark Shields — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:16:24 +0000

From reading Psalms 120, the strategy is to overcome evil with good. There are many battles we face in life and the main source is sin. We face wars, bullies, and those that use deceit and lies to bring others down.

The best strategy is to do things right, pray for advice, listen, and follow the will of God. We were touched with something different because of Christ. He made things straightforward so there are no more complicated laws and rules but a much easier path to follow.

Because of Christ, hope gives optimism in a time of despair and faith gives courage in time of doubt. His love brought victory in a time of hate. To give a lift for your day, here’s a video about what God has given us through Christ: Amazing Grace (Acapella) – LeAnn Rimes.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. – 1 Peter 1:18-19

Reflections… a Scripture verse and inspiration for daily living [5/17] (riverrunchurch.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection – Psalm 120 – 123 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
1 Peter 1:17-21 (jessicahof.wordpress.com)

Overcome Evil with Good

Mark Shields — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:15:10 +0000

The psalmist in Psalm 120 was put in a bad situation because someone was lying about him and he needed the Lord’s help. This psalm was probably written by David when on the run from King Saul and he sought help through prayer.

Those that want power and control bring about this desire for war and not peace. Take a look at the fighting that goes on between religions and how they make those that do not believe in their specific form of faith a pariah. Sometimes the battle is a negative culture being pushed on people like a cancer on an otherwise healthy society. The problem is sin but the answer is God’s Son who paid the price.

Photo Credit : specialgathering.wordpress.com

Let us follow this example of David as presented in today’s passage and go to the Lord in prayer when in distress. Let us depend on the Him to take on our battles so that evil is overcome with good. When facing our enemies, let’s ask the Lord to provide for our needs and protect us until things are made right in His timing.

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 120 – 123 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
The Fear of the Lord Is the Beginning Of Wisdom (smritidisaac.wordpress.com)
“Samuel?” (altruistico.wordpress.com)
An ancient failed leadership story from the bible (zingingleaves.wordpress.com)
1 Samuel 18. Saul becomes jealous of David (bummyla.wordpress.com)

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 120 – 123

Mark Shields — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:10:36 +0000

I just finished an amazing journey through Psalm 115-119. You can read about this journey at this link. As I continue the journey through the Bible, the next adventure will take me to Psalm 120-123. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about the journey 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.

Psalm 120
Passage Lookup

What is the psalmist’s situation in this psalm? What prompts desire for war? Compare or contrast the desires of your contemporaries. Which are involved in lies and deceit? Why? What is needed when those against you are deceitful and lie about you?

Psalm 121
Passage Lookup

What is the psalmist’s answer to the question in verse 1? When do you ask the question “where does my help come from?” What resources do you turn to for help? How does the Lord help?

Psalm 122
Passage Lookup

What emotion does the psalmist have when going to God’s house? Why do the tribes go to Jerusalem? To what does the psalmist dedicate himself? What are his reasons?

Psalm 123
Passage Lookup

What inner attitudes toward God does the psalmist discuss? What is the psalmist’s problem? Why do his enemies want to humiliate him (See Ezra 4:4-24; Neh. 2:17-19; 6:5-9)? How can one handle scorn from non-Christians? How do you demonstrate honesty and trust when you approach God?

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
Family Times

Psalm 21- Victory in Christ (inchristalonedevotions.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection – Psalm 115 – 119 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

How to Get Through Stuff

Mark Shields — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:02:21 +0000

In the post yesterday, I wrote about the last part of Psalm 119 which is the largest chapter of the Bible. It is apparent from reading in Psalm 119:137-176 that the psalmist faced stuff in life and it’s no different for us today but like the psalmist, there are things we can do.

We can ask for God’s help in prayer, seek solutions, and have patience through hope. The benefits are peace in knowing that we have given it our all. Along the journey, it helps to remain positive, retain a sense of humor, and remember how much we are blessed. It’s in the stuff we go through that we grow as a child of God. Here’s a video with this idea in mind: This is the Stuff – Francesca Battistelli.

This day with God can be amazing even if having a tough day for we can go to God in prayer and start fresh with a new perspective.

This Is The Stuff- Francesca Battistelli (katelynneamanda.wordpress.com)
WOTD: Practicing Thankfulness – Joyce Meyer (litroads.wordpress.com)
Prayers of Generations Past (thewritelife2.wordpress.com)

Benefits of God’s Word

Mark Shields — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:04:35 +0000

As brought out in Psalm 119:137-176, God’s Word is right, trustworthy, and dependable but even in keeping His Word there is difficulty. There are enemies that bring trouble and distress who try to bring us down by what they do or say. To overcome this battle, listen to God’s Word and pray for ways to apply His instruction. Appeal to God’s compassion, mercy, and His ability to deliver.

Continue in hope and receive encouragement from God’s promises. We have access to Him at all times so pray because God knows our needs and will help in time of trouble. In prayer we can ask for God to wash every disappointment, we can ask for joy that will dissolve every sorrow, and we can accept His love to ease every pain.

Photo Credit – truthmattersblog.wordpress.com

Be excited about God’s Word and praise Him continually because of peace right now and tremendous hope for the future. Be patient and understand that life is about pleasing God who gives salvation. Obey the truth, align to His will, and keep the hope of finishing strong until that day when He comes or calls to eternal glory.

Praying the Imprecatory Psalms (Psalm 83) (happymills.wordpress.com)
DAY 15: Monday, May 13 (gotprayer.net)
When Life Is Just Too Hard (donkeywhispererfarm2010.wordpress.com)

A Mom’s Amazing Journey

Mark Shields — Sun, 12 May 2013 20:53:53 +0000

Reblogged from This Day With God:

The sixth message in a series called “Not a Fan” will be presented at the church I attend today. The message is titled “A Mom’s Amazing Journey”. The sermons can be listened to or watched by clicking on the link called Pastor’s Podcast on the page at this link: First United Methodist Church Waco.

Below is an outline of the message.

This Day With God

Ascribe to the Lord – Psalm 29:1-3

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