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

Questions for Reflection for Study of John 12 Through 13

Posted on January 9, 2024 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 12:1-11 – How is Lazarus identified? What is different about the attitudes of Mary and Judas? Is Judas concerned for the poor? What do your attitudes and actions reveal about your character? Why to the chief priests want to kill Lazarus? What is ironical about their plan (See Chap 11)?

John 12:12-19 – Why does the crowd go to meet Jesus (See 11:56)? Why do you follow Jesus? When do the disciples understand the significance of the event? How do the Pharisees react to this event (See John 11:57)?

John 12:20-36 – How are the Greeks’ request and Jesus’ comments (See John 12:23-26) related? What area of life is God calling me to surrender? How will the Son of man be glorified? How can your life bear much fruit? What is the purpose of Jesus’ death (See John 3:14-15)?

John 12:37-50 – In what areas of life do you love the praise of men rather than the praise of God? What claims does Jesus make in verses 44-50? How will a person who rejects Jesus be finally judged?

John 13:1-11 – What is Jesus’ state of mind as the time of his death approaches? How can you have similar composure when you face threatening situations? What action does Jesus perform during the Last Supper?

John 13:12-20 – How does Jesus apply the significance of his action in verses 4-11? How can you obey verse 14 in modern times? What scripture will be fulfilled (See Psalms 41:9)?

John 13:21-35 – Do the disciples realize who will betray Jesus? What do verses 31-32 reveal about the relationship of God and Jesus? What is the standard of brotherly or sisterly love to one another? How can you fulfill this commandment?

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 | Tagged Bible Study, Christ, Faith, God’s Plan, Holy Spirit, Hope, Leadership, Lessons, Life, Love, Prayer, Reflection, Scripture | 2 Comments

Spiritual Journey Through John 9-11

Posted on January 8, 2024 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in John 9-11 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.

Noticed in John 9:1-17 is the work of God is on display when Jesus healed the man born blind. Today, if we pay close attention, we can also see God’s work on display. Let us take every opportunity to notice this work and report it to others.

Discovered from John 9:18-41 is this new and improved reality that the evidence to know Jesus is God comes from the witnesses of His life as documented in the Gospel. Evidence is also received from sermons, from Sunday school lessons, from those that talk or sing about Him, and experiences in our own life.

From John 10:1-21, noted is that Jesus is the good shepherd or the Word in the flesh so you can listen, understand, and obey; be led to the green pastures, take in the principles taught by Jesus, and be able to apply these principles in how you live.

Pointed out in John 10:22-42 is that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who is here with us as a friend, who reveals himself, and brings out the best in us. Let us feel His presence, listen to His voice, and take advantage of His instructions as we step ahead along this journey.

Ascertained from reading John 11:1-16 is Jesus’ willingness to die to accomplish God’s purpose. Let us take this encouragement and know God’s glorious power is available to conquer fear. We have all we need in order to courageously face the delays, disappointments, or other challenges this world sets before us.

A takeaway from John 11:17-44 is the need to rely on God to make things possible when it seems impossible. It’s when we hit a wall that the opportunity for the Lord to make the impossible possible exist. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can take on difficulty and figure out how to step ahead through it to the other side.

Uncovered in John 11:45-57 is the plot to kill Jesus. To get away for a while, Jesus went to a small village away from the public to stay with His disciples and prepare them for the rough days ahead. He gave up some comforts and went through adversity in order to fulfill His purpose; to die for the children of God and enrich the world.

God has a purpose for us 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.

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

Thought From Devotional This Day 01-05-2024

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Mark Shields

In exploring the passage from 1 Kings 14:1-20, discovered is that there is a need to be faithful to God by knowing our purpose. We need to test and approve God’s will in our life. If we do not design our life plan together with God, there’s a good chance we will fall into someone else’s plan that doesn’t maximize our potential for God’s glory.

Index of devotionals

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

Posted in Purpose, Thoughts From Devotional | Tagged Bible Study, enthusiasm, Faith, Hope, Love, Mysteries, Passion, Photo, Prayer, Purpose, Spirit, Worship | 3 Comments

Let the Lord Direct Your Steps

Posted on January 4, 2024 by Mark Shields

Noted in ”Focused To Fulfill His Purpose”, a plot to kill Jesus started. Jesus went to a small village away from the public. He stayed with His disciples to prepare them for the rough days ahead. He gave up some comforts and went through adversity in order to fulfill His purpose; to die on the cross, and save those who sought after Him.

This day, let the Lord direct your steps like the song Lead Me On by Amy Grant. As the song says, be led to a place where the river runs into His keeping. Where the awaited deliverance comforts the seeking.

Index of devotionals

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

Posted in Devotionals, Purpose | Tagged Adversity, Devotional, Impact, Journey, Liberty, Praise, Purpose, Signs, victory, Wonders, Worship | 1 Comment

Focused to Fulfill His Purpose

Posted on January 3, 2024 by Mark Shields

Jesus was totally focused to fulfill His purpose. Many signs and wonders were shown, but still there were those who refused to believe. As we step ahead, we seek to make known theses signs and wonders by documenting them throughout the journey.

After raising Lazurus from the dead, Jesus continued to fulfill His purpose. As we read the Word in John 11:45-57, we note that many saw what Jesus had done in raising Lazarus from the dead and believed, but some felt threatened by Jesus because He was getting more and more popular with the people. Those that still did not believe went against Jesus by telling the Jewish leaders what had happened.

No matter what we do to make a positive impact, there will be those against us who have arterial motives. In this case, the Jewish leaders had political motives since they knew the Romans were threatened by Jesus.

The Jewish leaders didn’t want to rock the boat because they thought the Romans might take away the temple and their nation if they didn’t deny Jesus. The Roman leaders were concerned that more and more would follow Jesus rather than the Roman government who wanted total control over the people.

When a plot to kill Jesus started, Jesus went to a small village away from the public. He stayed with His disciples to prepare them for the rough days ahead. He gave up some comforts and went through adversity in order to fulfill His purpose; to die for the children of God and enrich the world.

This day with You Lord, we step ahead on this journey with organization, documentation, and affirmation. We press on to impact those around us with the power of Holy Spirit inside to guide. Direct our steps to carry out the plan that frees us from those that want to control us. For with You Lord, there is liberty and total victory! Amen.