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

Beacon of Light

Posted on September 25, 2023 by Mark Shields

Because of the signs Jesus was performing, Nicodemus knew as pointed out in John 3:1-21 that Jesus was from God. Jesus then tells Nicodemus that to see the kingdom of God, one must be born again by being born of water and the Spirit (v. 5).

Like the force of the wind, we do not know where it comes from or where it is going but we hear the sound and can see that it moves objects. Just like when the sails gather the power of the wind to move a boat. So it is with the Spirit, we can see the results of what it produces for God’s purposes.

God sent His Son into the world for the purpose of teaching about these things so that we can understand about heavenly things. The purpose was to lift up Jesus as the Messiah so that those who believe may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (v.15-16).

Later in the passage, Jesus explains the difference between living in light and darkness. Those who do evil hate the light because their deeds are exposed but those who live by the Truth come into the light, so that it may be seen plainly in the sight of God (v. 21).

This day with God, we ask that the Spirit works in each of us to produce a force that moves us towards God’s purpose. With resolve to be witness to testify concerning the Light, we prepare now for a day that has organization, documentation, and affirmation so more will believe in Jesus. Amen.

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

Thought From Devotional This Day 9-22-2023

Posted on September 22, 2023 by Mark Shields

A takeaway from reading 1 Kings 3-4 is that God gave Solomon certain qualities like great wisdom and insight. People from nations around the world wanted to come listen and learn.

God has given you qualities too! You can do more than you ever dreamed because God is with you and will carry you to greatness with the wisdom and knowledge revealed in His Plan.

Posted in Thoughts From Devotional | Tagged Bible Study, Grace, Holy Spirit, Insight, Joy, Knowledge, Peace, Photo, Power, Prayer, Strength, Wisdom | 2 Comments

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 Bible Study, Christ, Faith, God’s Plan, Holy Spirit, Hope, Lessons, Life, Love, Prayer, Reflection, Scripture | 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 Career, Community, Faith, Family, Hope, ible Study, Journey, Lessons, Life, Love, Prayer, Purpose, spirituality, Values, victory, Wisdom, Worship | 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.