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

Follow the Example

Posted on November 13, 2023 by Mark Shields

There is one common thread that binds us; the power of Christ in what we believe and how we live. This day, let us accept the stream of grace that keeps flowing to our hearts and minds into the soul. Let us follow the Example of Jesus as we step ahead today.

Reading in John 7:1-24, Jesus didn’t want to go to Judea because the Jewish leaders were looking for a way to kill Him (v. 1). His brothers urged Him to go to Judea so the people could see His works. Jesus explains that the world hates Him because He testifies that its works are evil.

The feast of tabernacles was going on in Judea. Jesus stayed behind in Galilee while His brothers went to the festival. Eventually, Jesus went to the festival but tried to stay out of the limelight (v. 10). There was whispering about Jesus among the crowd. Some people at the feast said that Jesus was a good man, but others said that He was a deceiver.

Then Jesus began to teach at the festival and the Jews were amazed. They wondered how Jesus knew the Scriptures so well even though He had never been to seminary (v. 15). Jesus told them that they would know the source of His teaching by doing the will of God.

Several controversial subjects came up like them being angry about Him healing a man on the Sabbath. Another was about judging others. Jesus says, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly (v. 24).

Jesus sees worth in all people, their strengths, and their potential. With forgiveness and letting go of what’s bitter, we amazingly can start to get how much Jesus loves all people. He’s given an example and it’s up to us to follow.

This day, we are thankful that Jesus is our model to walk in the Spirit. Every life is sacred as our Creator has made each person in His own image. We all have a common parent in our Creator. No one is perfect so we never judge but build up and encourage. The blood of Jesus shed on the cross sets us free because of mercy and grace that makes us worthy. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

Posted in Acceptance, Bible Study | Tagged Acceptance, Bible Study, Encouragement, Grace, Mercy, Photo, Prayer, Scriptures, Teaching | 3 Comments

Thought From Devotional This Day 11-10-2023

Posted on November 10, 2023 by Mark Shields

A thought from reading 1 Kings 10 is the need to arise and synergize. Once a team sets out to fulfill a dream and it becomes reality, others will take an interest and enthusiastically join in. Because of the synergy received, hearts on fire with enthusiasm and excitement will multiply with each new follower.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Thoughts From Devotional | Tagged Blessings, Celebration, Devotional, Grace, Holy Spirit, Integrity, Photo, Power, Prayer, Worship | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of John 7 Through 8

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Mark Shields

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. The below Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles. At all stages of life, the Bible is helpful in providing what is needed to thrive in life. If you have not done so yet, click the follow button on the top right side of this page to be notified of future posts.

John 7:1-24 – Why does the world hate Jesus? What principle of judging does Jesus give? How can you apply this principle today?

John 7:25-36 – Why are the Jews unsuccessful at killing Jesus at this time? What about Jesus’ statement in verses 33-34 do the Jews misunderstand? How can you discover the meaning of Jesus’ statements?

John 7:37-52 – What is the same or different about water, living water, and the Spirit? What are the benefits of living water? How are drinking and believing Jesus related? What is Nicodemus’ relationship to the Pharisees? Who are the only people who believe in Jesus (See John 3:2)?

John 8:1-11 – Why do the scribes and Pharisees bring the woman to Jesus? How does Jesus bring the accusers to the same level as the accused? Who finally condemns the woman?

John 8:12-30 – How are light and life related to Jesus? How does Jesus fulfill the law’s requirement for proof of truth? How can you please God today?

John 8:31-47 – What action identifies a disciple? Who are slaves? How do they become free? How can they continue to be free?

John 8:48-59 – What does Jesus claim in verse 51? How do the people respond? How can you obey Jesus’ words? What will happen if you do?

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.

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. <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/>.

“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 | 1 Comment

Spiritual Journey Through John 5-6

Posted on November 8, 2023 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in John 5-6 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.

One thought in reading John 5:1-18 is to read the Word for solutions to my problems, to be patient, and work hard to make things better. The man at the pool of Bethesda was disabled for thirty-eight years yet he was finally rewarded when he refused to quit and followed what Jesus said to do.

Brought out in reading John 5:19-29 is the need to study God’s word to understand what the enemy wants to do which is to block my progress. To get in the way but I can read the Word, listen for instructions, loosen up, and keep stepping ahead with confidence because God’s grace is enough to lead to heaven’s victory.

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out things and why I can’t see the answer to the problem. All that is needed as pointed out in John 5:30-4 7 is to remove what covers my vision and have an open heart that lets into my mind and soul the things of God.

A thought from John 6:1-15 is that Jesus’ concern and care for people resulted in thousands following him. When they gathered on the side of a mountain, He was concerned about their hunger, so He fed them. He didn’t need to say much. He just stayed calm and demonstrated how God’s power and glory could meet their needs.

A takeaway from John 6:16-40 is that satisfaction, joy, peace, hope, and abundant living are within reach at this moment; for Christ is the bread of life who nourishes our souls. From the bread of life, we have the Holy Spirit that indwells to bring grace, redemption, and everlasting life.

As many people enter middle aged, their age starts to show around their middle. The physical body becomes harder to maintain but as noted in John 6:41-59, Jesus provides spiritual food for the soul, so we have fitness forever.

Like explained in the John 6:59-71, God can empower each of us to apply our faith at home, at work, in your leisure, and in whatever we do. Make note of God’s presence, share it with others, and step ahead on the pathway to joy in this world and the next.

The road map is at this link and all who accept Jesus will be rewarded because God’s kingdom has abundance, and the Spirit has no limit! The blessings consist of a future with provision, purpose, peace, and a perfect place for you that is beyond what could be imagined.

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

Fruit of the Spirit

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Mark Shields

American fruit by Library of Congress is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22

Like explained in the post “Enabled”, let God empower you to apply your faith at home, at work, in your leisure, and in whatever you do. Make note of God’s presence, share it with others, and step ahead on the pathway to joy in this world and the next.

Like the lyrics to the song In Jesus Name (God of Possible) by Katy Nichole, pray for others to be enabled by the Father to believe in a future with Christ Jesus.