Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts

Friday, February 1, 2019

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/>.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

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. 


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

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

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?

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?

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?

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?

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/>.


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


Wednesday, October 31, 2018

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.





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/>.


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

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Love From Above


Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. - Colossians 3:2

The post “Undivided Devotion” was about Paul’s warnings to the Corinthian church about being separated from full devotion to God.  Marriage can cause this to happen because the things of this world become much more important when we are trying to pay the bills, raise children, do chores around the house, or put time into other concerns of life.

At the same time though, marriage and family relationships can give us opportunities to make an impact on our world in amazing ways. But it takes putting our attention on God and His presence. By putting Him first, the rest of our challenges in life work out.

Our Creator has unlimited resources and can handle our yesterdays and our tomorrows so we can simply concentrate on today. When we worship, we are giving God the one thing He can’t give us; our time.

During worship, we are expressing how valuable He is in our life. So give Him four minutes of your time today. Take in the information given in the song Fix My Eyes by King & Country. Keep your eyes on the ONE who can make all things possible. Be focused today on the main thing … what matters most and realize how you’ve been blessed with the gift of love from above.





Wednesday, September 12, 2018

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

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?

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

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?

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?

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?

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/>.


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


Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Sharpen Your Tools


The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. - Psalm 28:7

The Lord is your strength and shield. He’s in control and victories rest with Him. The thought brought out in the post “Victory Rest with the Lord” is that we need to focus on God’s Way. We need to use the instructions of His Word like instruments to guide our life. The principles of God are like tools and we need to make sure these tools are sharpened for the challenges ahead.

We live in a confusing world but God is near to help clarify the Way. When we fight against evil, we need the strengths God has given us to win our battles. Our help is from God. One tool to win our battles is prayer. We can go to Him in prayer which is our greatest power because we are speaking to the ONE who already has the answer.

Another tool in our battle is music to praise God. Take inspiration from today’s song Shoulders – For King & Country and the poem below it has inspired.

Lord, our help comes from You
In a world of chaos
You pull us through.

You carry us high
Up on Your shoulders
And Your Word we do apply.




Friday, February 9, 2018

Incentive for Growing in Faith

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. - 1 Corinthians 2:9

As pointed out in the post “Benefits of Wisdom”,  there is a part God plays and a part we play in our gaining wisdom. There are major benefits right now to gaining wisdom like being rewarded with understanding, protection, safety, and victory in life.

Even if everything does not work out in this life on earth, there is still a great incentive for growing our faith as inspired in the song Home by Chris Tomlin. For there is a better place where there are no more burdens. A place where the streets are golden, the chains are broken, where fear is gone, and we are free at last in our permanent home.




Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Our Google Map for the Journey

It is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  – 2 Corinthians 4:6

A thought from the post “Gaining Wisdom for Life” is that the more good information you can gather, the better decisions you can make. This is the main reason God had Solomon write Proverbs so you have wisdom and instructions for life.

One benefit of Google Maps is that you can use street views when planning out a trip to places that you’ve never been before. It’s kind of like visualizing the future so that things are planned out in your mind; what turns will be needed, what signs to look for, and the assurance that you are going to where you need to go.

Proverbs is our Google Map on the journey of life. A lie the world tells us is to do things your way but the best way is to work with others, accept the help God gives in Christ, and accept the obvious as truth.

This day will be amazing because God helps you plan the right things for your day and things fall into place for an amazing day. Take inspiration from the song Good, Good Father by Chris Tomlin and believe the pathway set before you will lead to where you want to go.



Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Connecting Each Other to the Power

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble - James 4:6

In the post “Power Available to All”, the mystery revealed in reading Romans 11:25-36 is that the divine power of God is available to Jew and Gentile. Understanding this mystery helps us all observe the greatness of God which takes away personal pride and makes us more apt to humbly show concern for others.

There have been several times when my vehicle would not start because of a dead battery. Jumper cables were used to recharge one battery from another. In a similar way, we can be the link that connects the power of God to people. We can get interested in them, listen to their needs, offer some help, or pray for them.

Sharing a song is a good way to connect each other to the power and recharge each other for the day. Here’s a song with that purpose in mind: Come as you are by Crowder.




Thursday, November 16, 2017

Called According to His Purpose

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28

A key point brought out in the study of Romans 8:26-30 and written about in the post “Let the Spirit Work in Your Life” is that the Spirit gives insight into how to play your part in a preferred future and gives plans to make a difference in society.

First, pray for God’s will. One song to inspire is Thy Will  by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family. Second, discover the purpose for which God has for you. Then respond with enthusiasm to fulfill that high purpose.



Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Stronger on the Other Side

Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:3-5

Even in hard times, we can have joy. Never get down but remember what Jesus went through on the cross. Remember the many things people have gone through but came out stronger on the other side.

Hope is a major part of the Christian life because it gives patience in time of difficulty. For regardless of circumstance, hope keeps us looking forward to a day when there is no more pain, no more tears, and no more fears.

This day with God, have hope in all circumstances. As in the song There Will Be a Day by Jeremy Camp, be liberated from bondage and set free as God’s children. Someday there will be no more burdens because we will see Jesus face to face. Keep holding on to the day when there is joy and peace; keep holding on to the hope.




Thursday, October 5, 2017

Kingdom Wealth

Teach us to number our days aright. That we may gain a heart of wisdom. - Psalms 90:12

Explained by Paul in the post “Right Standing”, Abraham could not boast before God or claim his due because it was by faith and not by works that God did amazing things through him. The priority was more faith because it is etched eternally into God’s account. What if instead of working at building up an account like a bank account or a 401K account, we used more of our time to build up kingdom wealth.  

Faith is like uncut diamonds that are improved and made into bright gems for a useful life. One way to build up this eternal faith account is to capture thoughts from sermons or Bible Study, and from experiences that we go through or those we know go through. Another way to build up eternal faith is gathering inspiration from music or photos just like this one: Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong United.



Thursday, September 7, 2017

Acknowledge the Lord

Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. - Hosea 6:3

In the post “Giving all Honor and Praise to God”, the thought brought out is that there is no excuse for not accepting God’s power and divine nature because His invisible qualities can be clearly seen.

I remember a while back driving to work and seeing a double rainbow in the sky. I got out of my truck and started walking up the hill to my office when I realized that I left my badge in my truck so I walked back to my truck and noticed the rainbow again. This time, I took a few seconds to aim my smart phone to get a shot of the rainbow.

If we focus on God’s beauty, we are able to make it through anything and realize that at the end of the rainbow of life, there is a pot of gold because those who give up what’s in the world and follow Christ, receive eternal riches in the kingdom of God.


The world tells us God is not real but as I go through each day; taking walks and feeling the fresh breeze hitting my face and hearing the sounds of night that sooths my soul, I know the world is telling a lie and the ONE who created the breeze and unique music of the night is telling the truth.

This day with God, let us give honor to Him by noting when His invisible qualities are made plain to us. Let us tell God we are thankful and encourage each other.




Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Indescribable and Uncontainable

Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God. - Luke 18:27

The main point for me as brought out in the post, “Seeing and Believing” is that we should be ready to meet God for direction each day just like Moses did when he went up on Mount Sinai for we serve an amazing all powerful God who is indescribable and uncontainable.

Our prayers will be heard as we are connected by accepting our Savior. One small step changes everything and our first step of accepting Jesus gives us a tremendous resource in the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit will guide us to an amazing journey as we step ahead fearlessly. Amazing things will happen because the presence of the Holy Spirit in our life will lift us to new heights.

Each day can be amazing because with the Lord, you can passionately believe in what you are doing, let nothing hold you up in your work and have faith that one day at a time the impossible will become possible. Watch the video Indescribable by Chris Tomlin to inspire you this day with God.



Friday, July 28, 2017

The Presence of the Lord is Our Great Reward

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. - Ephesians 2:8

Shared in the post “Immanuel” was the purpose of the tent of meeting which was to have a place where people could meet with God. The Lord’s presence back then and today is our great reward.

In present times, believers can meet with God at any time or any place because of Christ’s atonement of sins on the Cross. This day with God, rejoice in this great gift of God that has been given to us. 

The thoughts shared above can turn a bad day into a good one. Suddenly, our attitude changes because we realize that God is with us at any time or any place. We can watch videos and listen to inspiring music like this: Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli.

Each day we can build memories. We can take pictures of His Creation like an amazing rainbow stretching from one end of the sky to the next. We can use technology to take virtual vacations by using the Internet. We can share with others around the world that God is with us today. 




Thursday, June 29, 2017

Be The Miracle

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. - James 1:22-24

The post “Prepared Way” is about the promises made by God to the Israelites as He prepares the way to the Promised Land. These same promises are available to us today in His Word as a guide to our relationships, our career, and everything we do. We can use it to plan and build our life to withstand the shakeups we may face.

The Word of God is our firm foundation and by knowing God’s plan for us , we can share with others so that we can be the miracle they may need. Just like in the song Be One by Natalie Grant