Questions for Reflection for Study of Psalm 30-37

I want to take this time to thank all of you my readers. I’ve found this blog to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are keeping me accountable to daily Bible reading and study. 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.

Last year, the journey through God’s Word took us through the book of Romans, Proverbs, and finished with 1 Corinthians. As the journey continues this year, I will finish going through the Psalms. The Psalms are personal and public poems of worship used as hymns.

The mission of this blog is to bring out ways to better apply God’s Word in our life at work, at home, and within our neighborhoods. The questions for reflection for the study of Psalm 31-37 below will help bring out some thoughts and ideas over the next few weeks.

The Lord speaks to us in various ways – visions, dreams, and life’s circumstances; even advice from others. Most of all, God speaks through the Bible. Thus, the main purpose of this blog is to study His Word with the intent to gain wisdom that we may apply in our own lives and also help others along the journey.

The reading plan below will be used as I continue the study of  the Psalms. 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!

Questions for Reflection

Psalm 30
What has been David’s sense of security? What happens to shake his confidence? What is the source of a more solid sense of security? What is the basis of your sense of security?

Psalms 31
What are David’s requests for help (v. 1-8)? What problems can you turn over to God? How can you follow the command of verses 23-24 today?

Psalms 32
How does verse 1 capture the main idea of the psalm? What insight do you gain into the psychological implications of repressed and confessed sin? Who is speaking in verse 8-9 and what is the command?

Psalms 33
What indicates that this psalm is designed for corporate worship? What reasons does the psalmist give for praising God? How does the psalmist picture God as Creator? What part does God’s word have? How does God treat the plans of the nations?

Psalms 34
For what does David praise God? What is taught in verses 11-14? What confidence does David show in verses 15-22? How can you have similar confidence?

Psalms 35
What is David’s tone as he calls on God to help him? How was he confident? In what situations today will you expect God’s deliverance and claim expression of praise?

Psalms 36
How is the wicked person described? To what end does the wicked come (v. 12)? What quality of God’s righteousness does David stress? Why are you confident of God’s love to you?

Psalms 37
What contrasts does David make between the righteous and the wicked? Why does God deliver the righteous? How will the certainty of your future affect your living today?

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: 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/>.

"Google Images." Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=8IipWNPmOoPBmwHIpZ2ACQ&ved=0EKouCBcoAQ>.

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

Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Corinthians 14-16

I’ve shared over the past few weeks some thoughts and ideas in ways to apply what we learn in the Bible from 1 Corinthians 10-13. 

Index of devotionals

Paying attention to what God has done long-ago, taking note of what He is doing in the present, and what He is revealing for the yet to come is very important.

Whatever we do, we should follow the example of Christ who passionately carried out daily activities for the glory of the Father. We’ve been given free will but that doesn’t mean that everything we do is best for us. We should seek to take actions that benefit ourselves and those around us.

Our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted and there is a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about the gospel message that sets us free and never lets us down. As the song O Come To The Altar by Elevation Worship points out, forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Christ. Let us tell the world of the treasure we’ve found.

As we grow in faith, there is a purpose God has for each of us so prepare for each day by taking in the Word, praying, and planning for the tasks of each day. Obstacles may be placed in our way but continue to daily receive the Lord’s instructions, be inspired by Christ, and verified with Biblical principles. Have faith that things will fall into place and you will get a lot more things done than you ever imagined you could.

This Day with the Lord will be amazing because of who He is and who we are; an important name in history – one of His children. Each person has a spiritual gift and the same Spirit distributes them. The body of Christ coalesce the diverse gifts and through the Spirit, we can discover our gifts for the express purpose of kingdom building.

The post “The Most Excellent Way” discusses how Paul relates the parts of the human body to the church body. Each member has God given abilities and should carry out their individual role so that the whole body is functioning at the most excellent level.

There are three higher spiritual gifts revealed to us during the last few weeks. They are faith, hope, and love. These three spiritual gifts are considered more superior than the other gifts because without them, the other gifts are useless. Love is the greatest God given gift. More superior to the skills given to accumulate vast riches as a famous person, a celebrity, or great athlete.

Think of ways to plant seeds of faith, hope, and love; producing fruit for not only yourself, but for others. God loves people everywhere. No matter where they come from or what they look like, God loves them and God loves you! You will be made aware that you are loved beyond measure and you will return this love unconditionally to others.

Thoughts and ideas for how to apply our faith is the main purpose for the “This Day with God” devotional. A daily devotional that internalizes His guiding principles and an instrument which pushes one to focus on Him in every activity throughout the day. My hope is that you will seek the Lord’s will in prayer, balance career, family, and love of neighbor.

The reading plan below 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!

Questions for Reflection

1 Corinthians 14:1-19

What is the purpose of the spiritual gift of prophecy? How does this gift benefit? How does Paul substantiate his statements to the Corinthians?

1 Corinthians 14:20-40

What are the rules Paul gives concerning conduct in the church? In what ways are tongues and prophecy controllable? How can you keep a balance between respect for Christian heritage and innovations relating to the contemporary generation?

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

What is the gospel Paul summarizes? What are the facts? How does Paul substantiate Christ’s resurrection? How is God’s grace shown in your life?

1 Corinthians 15:12-34

What logical conclusions follow if there is no resurrection of the dead? What kind of attitude and behavior would result in those who believe in resurrection? How does the defeat of death fit into God’s overall plan?

1 Corinthians 15:35-58

How does Paul use parallels in nature to help the Corinthians grasp truths of the resurrection? How will death be defeated ultimately? In what ways will you demonstrate the defeat of death?

1 Corinthians 16

What does Paul say are reasons for giving? What does Paul desire to see accomplished in other Christians as he works for and with them? Are there ideas you have for helping and encouraging other people?

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: 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/>.

"Google Images." Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=8IipWNPmOoPBmwHIpZ2ACQ&ved=0EKouCBcoAQ>.

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

Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Corinthians 10-13

The last few weeks has been spent going through and sharing some thoughts about the study of 1 Corinthians 6-9. Paul continues to discuss some issues within the early church. Ethics and love of neighbor is already in the agreement of Christianity. If disputes occur, try to handle them within the believer community rather than putting them into our legal system that is bogged down with trivial matters.

Paul goes from legal matters into the areas of family and health. He points out that the purpose of our body is a holy place for the Spirit. We should therefor honor God with healthy habits. Then he gives advice about marriage. If a decision is made to get married, we should search for a spouse that has a good influence on us. Things will not always be peaches and cream but desire to live in peace, find contentment, and work as a team.

  

Marriage brings on responsibilities like mortgages, raising children, chores around the house, and other concerns in life. We worry about paying our bills, washing the car, mowing the lawn, or passing a test when we need to be thinking more about God and how He is big enough to handle our challenges.

Even though being married has its challenges, there are great opportunities to do the Lord’s work. For example: we can lead in giving the blessing at dinner time or we can lead in a devotional time. This blog was started because I wanted a way to document thoughts for my family about God’s principles and how to apply them in life.

Paul then goes into loving our neighbor. There is no need to flaunt our knowledge to the detriment of someone else. Instead build up others. Be interested in finding their strengths and thinking of ways for them to have success.

For Paul, the reward was giving time and resources to others. There was a freeing aspect in serving the Lord out of personal generosity as his faith expressed itself through love. Paul’s attitude was to be all things to all people in order to win them to Christ.

Paul used the principles taught by Christ to train spiritually and we can do the same. Each day, we can be excited like a team running onto a field before a football game. We can go into training to change lives, win people to Christ, and receive the everlasting reward that is beyond what we could ever imagine.

These are the same reasons for the “This Day with God” devotional. A daily devotional that internalizes His guiding principles and an instrument which pushes one to focus on Him in every activity throughout the day. In order to balance career, family, and devotion to the Lord, one must daily study His Word and seek the Lord’s will in prayer.

Questions for Reflection

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: 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/>.

"Google Images." Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=8IipWNPmOoPBmwHIpZ2ACQ&ved=0EKouCBcoAQ>.

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

Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Corinthians 1-5

I want to take this time to thank all of you my readers. I’ve found this blog to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are keeping me accountable to daily Bible reading and study. 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.

So far this year, the journey through God’s Word has taken us through the book of Romans and Proverbs. As the journey continues, I will turn to the book of 1 Corinthians. Paul writes this letter in response to questions the Christians at Corinth have asked and to the news he has received about their problems (divisions in the church, moral faults, etc).

The mission of this blog is to bring out ways to better apply God’s Word in our life at work, at home, and within our neighborhoods. The questions for reflection for the study of 1 Corinthians 1-5 below will help bring out some thoughts and ideas over the next few weeks.

The Lord speaks to us in various ways – visions, dreams, and life’s circumstances; even advice from others. Most of all, God speaks through the Bible. Thus, the main purpose of this blog is to study His Word with the intent to gain wisdom that we may apply in our own lives and also help others along the journey. 

The reading plan below 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!

Photo taken 06/04/2018 - Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs Arkansas.

Questions for Reflection

1 Corinthians 1:1-17

With what authority does Paul write to the Corinthian church? What spiritual character and resources of this church is Paul thankful for? What steps do you need to take to promote unity among Christians in your school, business, community, and church?

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

What are the two viewpoints which today’s passage produces? What is true wisdom? Its goal? Its relation to the Cross? Its endurance?

1 Corinthians 2

What do you learn in this passage about the work of the Holy Spirit? What is the content of Paul’s message? What is Paul’s purpose? How does what the Holy Spirit teach you affect your understanding of your purpose in life?

1 Corinthians 3

What do you learn here about adapting your message to the capacity of your listeners? What indicates the Corinthians’ lack of progress? What is your responsibility in building on the foundation?

1 Corinthians 4

How does Paul describe the apostles? What scriptural principles should you apply before you judge another person? How does Paul describe the kingdom of God? In what ways does your life manifest power?

1 Corinthians 5

How does Paul instruct the Corinthian church to the problem of sexual immorality? What should you do with any corrupting influence in your life? What needs to happen when a leader sins?

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: 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/>.

"Google Images." Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=8IipWNPmOoPBmwHIpZ2ACQ&ved=0EKouCBcoAQ>.

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

Getting Along with Each Other

Why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. - Romans 14:10

Getting along with each other is one of the toughest things. Every person thinks a little differently and has their own way of going forward but as in the post “One Common Thread that Binds”, we gain victory by being one in Christ

Christ is the one common thread that binds us. Be inspired by today’s song Losing by Tenth Avenue North and remember that it is the power of Christ that unifies us in what we believe, what we do, and how we live.

Index of devotionals

Will is More Important than Skill

For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. - Colossians 1:13-14

The post “Instrument of Righteousness” was about yielding to God and using this as the catalyst to ultimate victory in life.  On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate yourself in yielding to God’s will and being used as an instrument of righteousness?

You have a role to play because you have will and will is more important than skill. Choose to be on God’s side for He is always right.

In the song My Victory by Crowder, one point made is how the Cross which was meant to kill was used to bring victory for you and me. To step ahead, let us think about what the enemy uses to attack us with. Let us think about ways to turn it against the enemy and use as a means to bring victory to many lives today.

Index of devotionals

Free Indeed

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. - 2 Peter 3:18

Explained in the post “From Death to Life” is how the pattern of sin and death was broken by the free gift of Christ. The grace of God and the gift of righteousness reigns in life eternal. There’s no better deal in the world. To me, it makes good sense to take it.

Everyone needs God’s grace. Once received, one can gain wisdom to live the way life is meant to be lived. As the main point given to us in the song Dear Younger Me by MercyMe, our tomorrows can be better than our yesterdays and today can be amazing because our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The Gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never let us down.

Index of devotionals

Live by Faith in the Son of God

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

As pointed out in the post “Way to Righteousness”, legal obedience does not make one acceptable to God but faith in Jesus Christ does and this is God’s way of righteousness.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God but can be justified freely by grace. Not by works but by faith in Christ. As in this song Embrace the Cross by Steve Green, let us replace every doubt or fear with a deep abiding trust in Jesus.

Index of devotionals

Living the Way He Teaches

Teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to Your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor You. - Psalm 86:11

The post “Integrate Faith with Actions” is about Paul pointing out that what we know in our mind needs to lead into the heart. It’s all about receiving God’s mercy and grace by accepting Christ first. Then, our hearts are transformed into committed followers of His Way.   

Every day can be amazing because we are putting the guidance of the Holy Spirit into practice. We can’t work hard enough to be saved but we can accept Christ in our heart and give it our best effort to daily show that we are saved.

Like the song Back to God by Reba McEntire, let us inspire others to begin today to integrate our faith with our actions because knowing God and accepting His grace makes our burdens lighter. Before long, the world will be changed for the better.

Index of devotionals

Responding to the Facts of the Gospel

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1

Shared in the post “The Servant of Christ Jesus”, Paul gave the church at Rome some facts of the Gospel; that it was promised from the beginning, that Christ died for our sins on the Cross, and that all who believe in Christ as the Son of God receive eternal life.

There's a special feeling you get when you've been a part of helping bring the message to others. This day with God, let us obediently respond to the facts of the Gospel and fulfill our call as a witness. Here is a song to inspire as we go about our day: My Story by Big Daddy Weave. 

Index of devotionals

Christ in Me Sets Me Free

Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? - 1 Corinthians 3:16

As the title of the post “Obedience in Detail to the Blueprint” suggest, Moses communicated how to carry out the work of constructing the tabernacle just as the Lord commanded.

Within the tabernacle was where the Spirit of God resided during the time of Moses. Because Christ was the ultimate sacrifice for sin, today the Spirit of God lives in all who accept Christ as Savior just as laid out in God’s plan for us.

Take inspiration from today’s video Christ in Me by Jeremy Camp. This day, run free into an unending ocean of mercy. Let the world see that you are free as you shine the light and give a spark that lights up a sometimes dark world.

Index of devotionals

One In Christ

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

I can remember years ago when the Bible study group I was a part of started a prayer chain. We prayed for each other and the group began to grow tremendously. It was a group of Christian singles just starting their careers. We would attend church together, have Bible Study together, and meet for social events together.

I look back on that group now and many friendships were formed. I’ve kept in contract with them and several couples are now missionaries around the world.  There were even a few marriages from that group.

We can display oneness with other believers in Christ today. Our faith in Christ gives us the freedom we need and we have the opportunity to tap into our individual skills and talents for His glory. As you go about your day today, remember that you are never alone and that God has given other Christians to help us along the journey. How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin!

Index of devotionals

Connected Forever to the Greatest Power Ever

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. - Colossians 2:6-7

We may face difficulties daily … a family member is sick, a rough day at work, trying to balance work, home, and school but as pointed out in the post “Promise of the Spirit”, the Good News for us is that by accepting Christ, we are connected forever to the greatest power ever. We are connected to the Holy Spirit so we can face these difficult days by turning them over to God.

When we turn our difficulties over to God, greatness begins because God is bigger than any difficulty we face. One song that emphasizes this truth is He Is With Us by Love & The Outcome.

So my friend in Christ, set your sights beyond what you can see. Be determined and know that Christ has paid the price, giving you an unseen power which cannot be measured or weighed but can tell you the right things to do for a favorable outcome.

Index of devotionals

Making Your Path Straight

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

In the post “Seeking the Best Direction and Guidance”, shared was how spiritual decline led to God’s wrath being poured out on Israel. The Bible gives us a chance to learn from mistakes made in the past and provides a better understanding of the best way to live.

Only God can transform from the inside out; making intangibles like faith, hope, and love into tangible blessings. Today’s video emphasizes this transformation that God can make: Busted Heart – For King & Country.

Index of devotionals

Called According to His Purpose

All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

As written about in the post “Knowing Our Express Purpose”, Paul was determined to carry the name of Christ before the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel. There was tremendous pressure applied by the Jewish leaders as they plotted to kill Paul but he never gave up and continued to set out to achieve his express purpose.

In present times, Christians are having to face instances similar to what Christians faced during Paul’s time. Secular thought wishes to push God out of our lives. Examples include redefining marriage, using the word holiday season instead of Christmas, and many other aggressive actions that go against the Way.

In many cases, those who make a stand for God, can face media bullying, threats to their lives, and even criminal prosecution. It’s bad enough in America but persecution goes to extremes in other places throughout the world where Christians are burned, beheaded, and executed.

Today’s video inspires us to remain determined like Paul to carry the name of Christ into the world: Until the Whole World Hears – Casting Crowns.

Index of devotionals

Accepting God’s Grace and Finishing this Race Called Life

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. – Acts 20:24

As described in the post “Being a Good Example”, Paul gives us a vivid picture of his service for Jesus Christ. We should strive to follow the principles he demonstrates like overcoming difficulty, applying our faith, having a definite purpose, and going the extra mile so that we finish this race called life victoriously.

The Word of God emphasizes how we apply our faith; giving hope and having compassion for others. How we live speaks volumes to others because they see the example of victory that can become their own victory through Jesus Christ. Enjoy today’s video that puts fourth some of these same thoughts: SpeakLife – Toby Mac.

Index of devotionals

Plan that Unifies

God gives us insight into how to play our part in a bright future and gives us plans in order to make an impact. In the post The Written Plan, some thoughts were shared about a letter written to handle some growing pains of the early church. The devil was trying to disrupt their unity but this letter declared their plan for unity.

God has given us a plan that unifies all believers. At this link is “God’s Plan for Us” in a word document that can be read, downloaded and signed by anyone that would like to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Today’s video Born Again by Newsboys is about this decision for Christ that simplifies and unifies so we are all on the path to a brighter future. This day with God will be amazing because of who God is and who you are; an important name in history – one of His children.

“...let us know His secret purpose.  This was what God wanted, and He planned to do it through Christ.  His goal was to carry out His plan, when the right time came, that all things in heaven and on earth would be joined together in Christ as the head. - Ephesians 1:9-11

Index of devotionals