Sunday, March 30, 2014

Questions for Reflection for Study of Psalm 143-146


David was on the run as He wrote Psalm 139-142. He was running from Saul’s men who were sent to kill him. Saul was jealous of David and saw him as a threat to his power. David is discouraged, an emotional wreck, alone, and in physical danger so he humbly goes before God in prayer for help.
We can learn from reading the Psalms the need to develop this same kind of honesty with God that David displays. There are situations we go through where our only hope is in God; when all our strength comes only from Him.
David knows he is not perfect but flawed. God had done great things for David in the past but as He writes this part of the Psalms, he’s hiding from Saul’s men in a desperate situation. Even in this situation, he still praises God.
Like David, we may face difficult days ahead but we can overcome by turning our sites on the greatness of God. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about my journey through Psalm 143-146 and will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.

Psalm 143
On what basis does David make his prayer? What factors cause David to be thirsty for God? Summarize the basis for David’s confidence that God would answer his prayer.
Psalm 144
What symbols does David use to describe God? How does God show that He is interested in us? Contrast the power of man with the power of God.
Psalm 145
List the characteristics of God and His actions. Who and what is included under God’s compassion? How should this make a difference in the way you look at people?
Psalm 146
To what has the psalmist dedicated their life and what is their stimulus? What is the by-product of faith in God? How is eventual ruin of the wicked an encouragement to steadfastness and righteousness?
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. 
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 or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God. 
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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
Image Source



For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Seek what is True and He will Get You Through



In studying Psalm 139-140 this week, what I noted was that we should hate what is wrong and desire what is right. We should desire to have Godly thoughts. If we are devoted to the things of God, then we are assured of a positive outcome.
Also, during times of worry or fear, we need to believe that God is for us. We need to be encouraged by what He has done for us in Christ. For with God is love and with love is purpose and with purpose is courage. 
Here is a poem in which the study this week has inspired: The Weapon of PrayerStarting Monday, the journey will go into Psalm 141-142. Have a great week!
For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Questions for Reflection to Help in the Study of Psalm 139-142


The study of the first twelve chapters in the book of Daniel was completed and here is a link to all previous devotionals: Index of Devotionals. Also, to review where I’ve been over the last few weeks along with a synopsis of the lessons learned, here is a link: Answers Received from Daniel 1-12.

The next part of the journey will be Psalm 139-142. If we let the lessons of the Word of God influence our life by desiring what is right; wanting to have Godly thoughts and are devoted to Him, then we can be assured of a positive outcome. We are each wonderfully made and He made you to do big things that can change the world for the better.

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about the journey and will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.


What relationship does the Lord have to the totality of David’s life? Why do you think David wants to escape the presence of God? For what things will you both praise God and request from Him today?
What is David asking God to do for him? What kind of enemies do you have? How does David express his confidence in God?

What emotions do you think David is feeling as he begins his prayer? In what way can you see humility in David’s attitude? How open are you to the rebuke and correction of other Christians?

How does David approach God when he is discouraged? What is David’s problem? In what ways do our problems tend to imprison us? How can we have hope in a time of despair? 
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.

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 or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Questions for Reflection - Study of Daniel 9-12


This past week, I wrote of my study in Daniel 5-8 and there are also two poems this study has inspired.  Please check them out at these links below:


The plan now is to post some thoughts as I spend some time in Daniel 9-12. Over the next two weeks, I will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.


What is Daniel doing that seems to initiate his prayers? What brings God’s judgment and wrath? As a Christian, how do you seek God’s wisdom, understanding and guidance?

What is Daniel doing when he has this vision? Why are Daniel’s words heard? How does the prophet receive peace and strength?

What is revealed to Daniel? Who is revealing these things (See 10:15-17)? Who will be able to stand under such chaos and pressure? Why do God’s people have to suffer? What is their responsibility during such times?

Describe the time mentioned. Can you comprehend all of God’s ways? How should you respond to what God has told or shown you?

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.

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 or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God. 


Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.