Ideas for Gaining Daily Victories

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

The lesson as laid out in the post “The ONE Who Won” was that the Lord fights for you. With Him, you can do so much more. He prepares a path for you by driving out obstacles in your way so love the Lord your God and step ahead.  

Sometimes the greatest competition we face is within our own mind. We may have a major deadline at work or a major payment due. Our mind may keep telling us, “It’s too difficult … I can’t do this” but because of God we can have confidence to tell our mind, “Yes I can”.

One idea is to memorize scripture like the one at the top of this post when faced with pressure situations in life. Another idea may be to listen to music for inspiration. God has fought over the years for His people and He fights for you today.

The greatest historical victory ever was His Son Jesus Christ who died for all. Grace wins all the time to allow you to rise up to victory on a daily basis. Take a few minutes to be inspired by this song Grace Wins by Matthew West  because the victory is for all who belong to Christ Jesus.

Index of devotionals

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. 

__________________________________________ 

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.

Seek what is True and He will Get You Through

Photo from Google Images

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 Prayer. Starting 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.

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.

Psalm 139

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?

Psalm 140

What is David asking God to do for him? What kind of enemies do you have? How does David express his confidence in God?

Psalm 141

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?

Psalm 142

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.

__________________________________________

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

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

Devotion is the Notion

Those who opposed Daniel

wanted to bring him disgrace.

Setting him up a dinner date

with the lions at their place.

But Daniel was a man of faith.

God took care of him

and the lions didn’t hurt

in a situation that looked grim.

The king proclaimed

that all should be devoted

to the God of Daniel

and Daniel was promoted.

Envy didn’t do anything

But faithfulness got it done.

Jealousy led to death

but devotion helped a ton.

So let us continue being faithful

and asking for God’s help.

Remembering about Daniel

and the promises God has kept.

The promise of a Savior,

courage in times of doubt,

love that brings victory,

That we can share about. 

Poem by Mark Shields – © 02-22-2014

Inspired by Daniel and the Lions’ Den

Photo from Google Images

Looking Forward to The Day

The Old Testament ends with victory for those who believe and continue to honor God. While expecting His gracious promise to be fulfilled each day, we can be thankful, give effort, be disciplined, and care for neighbors.

Two types of people are presented in Malachi 3:13-4:6; evil and good. We can be thankful for the gracious promise fulfilled in Jesus. This promise encourages us to know God and to fellowship with those who follow His ways.

Thoughts of wrongdoing corrupt good minds and behavior but thoughts of virtue confirm good minds and behavior. Those that follow God’s ways are His jewels that He values beyond measure. The Gospel message changes hearts to prepare all that believe to follow the way of wisdom and happiness. By serving and trusting together with the influences of the Spirit, there is devotion, joy, and effectiveness.

The Old Testament ends and the New Testament is the most joyful book ever written. This day with God will be amazing because we can be thankful. Here’s a video about being thankful: About Giving Thanks to Him.

Like in the video, this day with God, I’m thanking Him for freedom, for eyes to see His magnificent creation, for hearing His wonderful sounds, for the sense of smell, of touch, and to imagine what it will be like to unite with those lost in this world and with my Father in Heaven.


For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at:
Facebook
Twitter

Abundant Life with a Bright Outlook

Each day during the week, I write a post at this link. The mission of this blog is to demonstrate an instrument for Bible study that uses technology to develop a better way to study the Bible by integrating the principles or core values God gives into our daily life at work and at home. One core value God gives that I think is important is to take care of our physical and mental body.

To continue with the benefits of good physical and mental health, we need to understand that happiness is short term but joy last forever. People get excited about snow in central Texas and when it happens, they build a snow man. But it melts the next day. With God’s word, you build something inside which last forever and can never melt away. Some ways to brighten or warm up your day is to seek the truth of His Word, experience the joy Christ gives, and be aware of the wonder in Creation. These are the true treasures.

Being able to adapt to circumstances, having self-control, and just being a good person are the best prescription for a sound mind and body. The trials we face in this world are not easy but we can believe that our reward is with Christ.

God placed extreme value on us, created us in His image, and crowned us with tremendous honor when He sent His Son to die for us. Because of what He has done for us, we need to give ourselves a chance to be happy. With Christ, we have a chance for abundant life today that only gets better in the long term with daily transformation; growing in grace and a future beyond our wildest imagination.

Take Care of God’s Temple and Honor Him

Take care of yourself because you are God’s temple; a holy place for the Spirit. Honor God with regular exercise, healthy eating, and good sleeping habits. Don’t misuse your body by smoking, drinking, overeating, or being promiscuous. Find your true love and demonstrate devotion. Clear your path to life with enthusiasm, passion, and peace of mind.

A physical workout builds physical muscle and in a similar way we can build muscles of faith by studying God’s Word, prayer, and by listening for direction from the Holy Spirit. If we plant seeds of Christ’s core values into a fertile soul and water with the Spirit, the result is abundant growth. 

Next weekend, I’ll continue with the core value of physical and mental health.