This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey | Share The Word

Thought From Devotional 04-26-2024

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Mark Shields

Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover. In the temple courts he saw people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money (v. 14). A takeaway from John 2:13-25 is that Jesus provides more than any worldly treasure.

Jesus was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. – John 1:1-3

Jesus gives us nuggets of gold that will be useful in providing food for our soul. He gives the Good News in a sometimes-negative world with the ability to overpower an entire army of negatives that get us down and deplete our hope.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

Posted in Thoughts From Devotional | Tagged Bible Study, Discover, Encouragement, Freedom, Photo, Prayer, Thoughts, Treasure, Truth | 1 Comment

Questions For Reflection 2 Kings 1 Through 6

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Mark Shields

The journey through the Gospel of John has given encouragement for the journey ahead that will now take us into 2 Kings for a while. We will continue to gain insight from God’s Word in order to apply our faith at work, at home, and in all we do.

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable as I share about God’s Word. To share about 2 Kings, it’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Christ as Savior, we have taken the steps necessary to make each day amazing!

Questions for Reflection

2 Kings 1 – What do you learn about Ahaziah? What is the effect of Elijah’s two demonstrations of God’s power and reality? What is your attitude toward God and his messengers?

2 Kings 2 – How is Elisha tested in this chapter? What qualities do his actions reveal? Where do you find a source of power for your daily life?

2 Kings 3 – What causes the attack upon Moab? How does this event show the part of one man in saving many people? How does it reveal God’s mercy and faithfulness to his inconsistent people?

2 Kings 4 – What are the demonstrations of God’s faithfulness in keeping His word? In providing material needs of those who trust Him? What do you learn about faith from the two women in this chapter? How can you follow their example today?

2 Kings 5 – What is Naman’s position, personality, relationship with his servants, and character? What further effect does the healing have on Naaman (vv. 15-19)? What warning is in Gehazi’s example?

2 Kings 6 – What areas did Elisha have authority and power? How has your concept of God’s power grown recently? Have you learned how to conquer fear? What makes the difference between the servant’s fear and Elisha’s confidence? What is your attitude when you see pain and suffering?

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 – A Spiritual Journey.

To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

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. <https://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/>.

“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

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

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Questions for Reflection | Tagged Bible Study, Christ, Faith, God’s Plan, Holy Spirit, Hope, Leadership, Lessons, Life, Love, Prayer, Reflection, Scripture | 1 Comment

Thanks For Reading

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Mark Shields

I would like to take this time to thank you for reading and liking the posts. This blog started from a small group with just a few followers and now has grown to over 2,650 followers. I’ve found it to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are holding 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 spiritual journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. Tomorrow, I will include Questions for Reflection that will spur thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles at work, at home, and in all we do.

Here is a link to all the devotionals done so far.

Index of devotionals

If you would like to get notified with each new post, I invite you to click on the follow button on the far top right of this page to join me on this spiritual journey. Another way to keep up with my spiritual journey is through the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey.

Also, the concepts presented in God’s Perfect Timing offer ideas for using our time wisely and the lessons of God’s Plan for Us gives a method towards making an impact in the world in which we live.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

Posted in Bible Study | Tagged Bible Study, Community, Faith, Family, Hope, Journey, Lessons, Love, Prayer, spirituality, Values, victory, Wisdom, Worship | 2 Comments

The Spiritual Journey Now Continues Into 2 Kings

Posted on April 23, 2024 by Mark Shields

I just finished a spiritual journey through the Gospel of John and will start 2 Kings next.

Here is a link to all the devotionals done so far.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Bible Study, Journey | Tagged Bible Study, Community, Faith, Family, Hope, Journey, Lessons, Love, Prayer, spirituality, Values, victory, Wisdom, Worship | 1 Comment

Spiritual Journey Through John 20-21

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in John 20-21 and sharing some thoughts that not only can benefit you now but also help the next generation too! The greatest of all possessions one can hand off to future generations are the guiding principles taught from the Word of God.

There was a downcast mood after the crucifixion of Jesus but in John 20:1-10, the downcast mood was changed when they found out He had risen. Jesus made the impossible possible by conquering death. Those who believe in Him can do the same. Can claim a piece of that power to even overcome death and receive life eternal.

When Jesus spoke Mary’s name in John 20:11-18 she was full of excitement, and she went to the disciples to tell them about the wonderful news (v. 18). When Jesus calls out your name and reveals himself to you, do the same. Respond with excitement and be ready to share with others the Good News. With enthusiasm, capture everyone’s interest so they join in to change the world for the better.

Your most precious, valued possession and your greatest strength is derived from the same one that taught the sun where to stand in the morning. Reading in John 20:19-31, given are examples of Jesus appearing to His disciples after His death on the cross. What a valued possession given to you as your Redeemer lives and His Spirit is in your heart!

A point picked up on from reading John 21:1-14 is that Jesus has the power to make the impossible possible! This day with God, pray about your situation. Jesus wants you to be productive and do things you didn’t think you could do. Pray and listen for a solution. There is indescribable potential in you my friend because power is available. Just make a decision and dive in.

Highlighted in John 21:15-25 is that the love for Christ is proved by sacrifice just like Christ did on the cross. It produces actions; things like helping someone in need, encouraging, or inspiring. Love finds a way and is the answer.

God loves you and has a purpose for you too! In all stages of life be it a teenager deciding what type of career they would like to pursue, a college student, a young professional, a leader within a business or organization, or someone nearing or already in retirement. At all stages of life, the Bible is helpful in providing what is needed to do great things for God’s glory. If you have not done so yet, click the follow button to be notified of future post.