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

Treating People Right

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Mark Shields

This day with God, we step ahead of hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in our life that keep us down. Istead we desire the authenticity, sincerity and certainty that God provides. We use technology to make a positive impact on our life. Just a click away are scriptures, sermons, Christian blogs, and uplifting music. Available from any place or any time just by using our phone, computer, or other device.

Today, we are reading 1 Kings 12:1-24. Solomon had made life difficult on the people with harsh labor and high taxes. After his death, his son Rehoboam was crowned king and the people of Israel rebelled. After consulting for advice, he didn’t follow the older and wiser men who counseled him to be more kind to the people with lower taxes and less harsh labor.

He followed the guidance of the young men and said this in verse 15:

“My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.”

Lacking in Rehoboam, are basic elements of good leadership. Knowing who to go to for advice is crucial and understanding how to treat people right is essential. A clear objective of leadership is to empower and support subordinates because if they are successful then the leader is successful.

As a result of following the wrong advice, there was rebellion. This turn of events was used by God to carry out His purpose. If we remember back to previous chapters, we are told that there would be judgment because of Solomon turning away from the ONE true God to the worship of other gods and idols. Solomon had knowledge of the need to stay focused because the Lord had told him that disaster would come if they worshiped other gods.

This day with God, we need to hear more of the uplifting, the amazing, and courageous so we are inspired in the present and ready to step ahead to an incredible future. Let’s begin our walk today with a prayer.

Lord, we ask that You build us up to be strong leaders. You care for Your people and they need good leadership. You sent Your Son as an example of leadership. A servant leader who died for us on the Cross and who we follow to bring victory in our life. You Lord are with us and for us now and forever. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, victory | Tagged Advice, Bible Study, Empowerment, Kindness, Leadership, Photo, Prayer, victory | 3 Comments

Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Kings 12 – 16

Posted on July 11, 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. 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.

1 Kin gs 12:1-24 – What causes the rebellion of the people against Rehoboam? What basic elements of good leadership are lacking in Rehoboam’s decision? How does God use the circumstances to carry out his purpose?

1 Kings 12:25-33 – What is God’s desire for Jeroboam (See 1 Kings 11:26-43)? In what ways does he departs from God’s ways? What warnings are in today’s passage about current leaders of nations?

1 Kings 13 – How does God seek to change Jeroboam? Do you seek or accept advice from others, even respected elders, when you have and explicit command from God? How will the study of these experiences change or improve your method of making decisions?

1 Kings 14:1-20 – What is the difference in how Jeroboam and Ahijah carry out their respective instructions from God? As you think over Jeroboam’s life, what is your self-evaluation of your faithfulness to God’s purpose in your life?

1 Kings 14:21-15:8 – How would you characterize the two kings of Judah mentioned in today’s passage? What influence do parents have in their children’s spiritual life? How is God provoked to jealousy? What can you start doing in your daily routine to be wholly true to God?

1 Kings 15:9-24 – What reforms does Asa institute? To what extent do you let personal relationships stand in the way of obeying God? How do you handle threats from God’s enemies?

1 Kings 15:25 through 16:34 – What seems to be the common denominator of the kings of Israel during this time in history? How does Ahab add to the blasphemy? What useful lessons can be learned by observing the lives of these kings?

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, Leadership, Lessons, Life, Love, Prayer, Reflection, Scripture | 1 Comment

Spiritual Journey Through 1 Kings 8-11

Posted on July 10, 2023 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in 1 Kings 8-11 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.

An important take away from 1 Kings 8:1-21 is how King Solomon built the temple of God with a plan, with patience, and with persistence. These are the same qualities you can use as the foundation to build your life upon, so trust the path provided by Jesus who walks along the path with you.

As brought out in 1 Kings 8:54-66, God gave Solomon a plan in building the temple and he took action on the plan. God has also designed a specific life plan for you. His word will teach and direct, so be dedicated to applying your faith, letting the Spirit work in you, and accept Divine assistance as you take action on the plan.

Noted in 1 Kings 9 is a progression in Solomon’s worship of God and his leadership of his nation, but there is a warning that Israel could be brought down if they stopped serving and worshipping the ONE true God. It’s the same for you today as there is a need to spend time in prayer and reading the Word. The main concern should be to stay on path by serving and worshiping the ONE true God.

In reading 1 Kings 1 0, it was evident Solomon had taken action on the purpose God had given him. One thought is that once an individual or team sets out to fulfill a dream and it becomes reality, others will take an interest so they will enthusiastically join in too. Enthusiasm and excitement multiplies as each new follower joins because of the synergy received.

The main lesson from 1 Kings 11:1-8 is the need to spend time daily reading God’s word, prayer, and praise. By worshiping the ONE true God and thinking of ways to be a blessing to others, a good routine is developed because the activity is repeated over and over to become a part of who you are. It becomes second nature to you.

Like the thought received in reading 1 Kings 11:9-43 when everything around Solomon began to crash, there is a need to turn away from the negative things of this dark world and keep focused on the Light. Then, momentum can be shifted, burdens are lifted, and you are disciplined to put your trust in the Lord as you step ahead toward the eternal reward.

God has a purpose for you no matter what stage of life you are in. At all stages of life, the Bible is helpful in providing what is needed to achieve great things for God’s glory. If you have not done so yet, click the follow button to be notified of future post.

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

Call to Praise

Posted on July 9, 2023 by Mark Shields

Love & The Outcome in San Antonio at Sadie Robertson’s Live Original

The stimulus for the call to praise in Psalm 66-67 is looking back at the past and what good things God has done so we are encouraged to look forward to the future. Let us be encouraged today as a child of God as we live each day knowing He is with us always and knowing the future with God will be beyond what could be imagined. This will not only benefit us with peace but also be inviting to others to walk by faith, put their hope in God, and accept God’s mercy through the loving gift of His son.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Enthusiasm, Peace | Tagged Bible Study, Encouragement, enthusiasm, Expectation, Faith, Hope, Peace, Photo, Praise, Prayer, Reflection, victory | 5 Comments

Poetry Friday 07-07-2023

Posted on July 7, 2023 by Mark Shields

A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by “Desire the Word”. The thought is that the Devine virtues in the Word of God are a source of nourishment for the soul. The Word will satisfy your hunger as you take in the values of God.

Jesus is the cornerstone of the temple were God’s Spirit lives. As the song Conerstone by Hillsong points out, your hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. Christ alone is the cornerstone who makes the weak strong. Because of the Saviors love, the Spirt lives in you so set your aim at being the best you can be and make a difference in the lives of others.