Questions for Reflection for Study of John 3 Through 4

Posted on September 21, 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 3:1-21 – How does Nicodemus know Jesus comes from God? How does Jesus explain being born again? For what purpose has God sent His Son into the world? To what does light refer (see John 1:5 and John 1:9)? What is your response to the light?

John 3:22-36 – What does John reply to the complaint of his disciples (See John 1:19-23)? How can this apply to people today? How does John explain his relationship with Jesus? How do you feel when someone else is recognized as greater while you become lesser?

John 4:1-26 – Why does Jesus leave Judea? What does verse 6 reveal about Jesus? Does Jesus answer the woman’s question in verse 9? What does Jesus say about worship?

John 4:27-42 – What does Jesus say about food? How can the sower and reaper rejoice together in the harvest? In what is the Samaritan’s belief initially based? What reason do they give for their belief after Jesus has stayed with them?

John 4:43-54 – Why does Jesus go to Galilee? What request does the official have? How does the official confirm the cause of his son’s healing? Can you recall a time when you could not solve a problem on your own?

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, Questions for Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Spiritual Journey Through John 1-2

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in the book of John 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 by Christ Jesus.

As explained in the passage John 1:1-18, we live in a sometimes dark world, but if the Word of God is opened, we can see the Light and be set free. We can study, pray, and apply our faith by following Jesus who is the Light to freedom. Then we can help reveal this Light to the world by bearing witness to the freedom gained by following this light.

Noted while reading John 1:19-34 is that John the Baptist gave his testimony, and we can too. We can help people with that first step so they can see the Light. Show them the problem we all have. Give them the solution in Christ so they will be moved to step ahead of the sinning and move on to new and improved beginning for the days ahead.

Reading John 1:35-51, we get a formula for discipleship. The method seems simple but to apply it seems to stump us at times. It all comes down to following the Word … Jesus and what He teaches. Then sharing with those closest to us … our family, friends, and those we meet during our day.

The first sign that Jesus is the Son of God is referenced in John 2:1-12. When those around Jesus saw that He could change water into wine, their faith increased. This revealed that Jesus had the power to create something from nothing. The same power of God!

Within the passage John 2:13-25 we noted that Jesus provides more than any worldly treasure. Jesus gives us 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.

Keep up with my spiritual journey over the next few weeks either through following this blog by clicking the follow button on the top right side of this page or by liking the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Let’s share thoughts or ideas about applying our faith as we step ahead along the path to victory

Posted in Bible Study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

More Than Worldly Treasure

Posted on September 19, 2023 by Mark Shields

Within “Treasure from the Truth”, we noted 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 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.

Many times, like the song Come to the Table by Sidewalk Prophets says, we feel that we are on the outside looking in but with Jesus, that’s where grace begins. Love opens the door and invites us in so all that are ready to follow, can sit down at the table and be set free.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Accurate Thinking, Devotionals | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Treasure from the Truth

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Mark Shields

The photo was taken in Virginia City Nevada. This is an old mining town near the fictitious Ponderosa Ranch on the Western television drama Bonanza. The show’s characters made visits to the town regularly. At one time, it was a thriving boom town with the discovery of silver and gold in the western part of the United States. This day, we are not seeking physical gold and silver, but will seek out treasure from the Truth. 

Rather than spiritual assets obtained by observing and listening to Jesus who is the Word, many during the time of Jesus were more interested in pocketing worldly assets. Like in the passage John 2:13-25 when 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).

The money changers in the temple courts were taking advantage of the people who came to worship. They were price gouging by selling animals used for sacrifice at an inflated price. This angered Jesus for they were turning His Father’s house into a market so He overturned the tables of the money changers and drove them out of the temple courts.

The people wanted a sign to prove that Jesus had authority to do what He was doing. Jesus said to destroy the temple and He would raise it again in three days (v. 19). What He was referring to was His body that would be raised in three days after His death on the Cross. Eventually the disciples would understand and believe these words Jesus had spoken after He was raised from the dead (v. 21).

While He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs He was performing and believed in His name (v. 23). The risen Christ is the positive in a sometimes, negative world that gives us a chance to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts that live inside. He knows everything we are thinking so in our prayers, we need to be open and honest.

This day with You Lord, we will read the Word, observe, listen, and document nuggets of gold that will be useful in providing food for our soul. The Word encourages, gives enthusiasm, and sound advice. Most of all Lord, we get absolute Truth that sets us free. The Word is flawless and has the power to transform us from the inside out. For all these reasons, we are grateful and pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Posted in Accurate Thinking, Bible Study | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Thought From Devotional This Day 09-15-2023

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Mark Shields 
In 1 Kings 3:1-15, we notice some inconsistencies in Solomon’s obedience to God. Solomon was young when he became king and lacked experience to do his duties, so he asked God in a dream for wisdom at being a leader to benefit the people. We can learn from this appeal that a request for others instead of oneself is looked on by God in a positive way. Many times, God will not only grant our request for others but also bless us beyond measure too. So, this day with God, feel free to dream. To be creative in promoting your faith and what it produces to benefit those you have an impact on.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Thoughts From Devotional | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment