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

Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Kings 8-11

Posted on June 13, 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.

1 Kings 8:1-21 – When the temple is finished, what must then be brought to God’s house? What place does it occupy there? What occupies the inner core of your life? In what specific ways is God’s indwelling evident in your life?

1 Kings 8:22-53 – What characteristics of God does Solomon emphasize in verses 22-23? What is necessary if we are to enter God’s presence? For whom does Solomon pray? For what friends and associates will you pray specifically today?

1 Kings 8:54-66 – On what basis does Solomon bless the assembly (See vv. 51-53)? How is the house of God dedicated? How are you dedicating your life to the Lord? How do the people feel as they go home? What is your response to God?

1 Kings 9 – What does God say about Solomon’s prayer? What conditions does God lay down for the future? What promises does He make? What progression do you see in Solomon’s worship of God (compare vv. 3-9 to 3:14 and 6:11-13)? What growth and improvement is evident in your worship of God?

1 King s 10 – What types of activities does the queen of Sheba observe? To what extent can others tell that you love God by your ordinary actions as well as by your worship activities? How does Solomon use the gifts God gives him? How do you use God’s gifts to you?

1 Kings 11:1-8 – What is a major cause of Solomon’s spiritual decline? Where does the decline begin? What are his strengths? His major weaknesses (See 1 Kings 3:1-4)? What tendencies, weaknesses, or wrongdoings in your life should you bring to God as you pray?

1 Kings 11:9-43 – What knowledge does Solomon have that destroys any excuse (See 9:6-9)? What do verses 9-13 indicate about God’s character? What are the consequences of God’s actions in verses 14 and 23 for the world today? What can we 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, 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 1-7

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in 1 Kings 1-7 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 1 is the need to bring more and more people to the teachings of Jesus. You are on a journey to your ultimate destination way up high in heaven so let this humble you to pray for and care for the next generation so they can continue what was started.

A major thought from 1 Kings 2 is to have confidence in the Way of God. The Holy Spirit will help you make the tough decisions and have good judgment as you set out to find solutions to problems. If you want to win each day, saddle up, follow God, and embark on blazing the trail.

Noted in 1 Kings 3:1-15 is that Solomon was young when he became king and lacked experience to do his duties, so he asked God in a dream for wisdom in being a leader to benefit the people. You can learn from this appeal to God that a request for others instead of yourself is looked on by God in a positive way. Many times, God will not only grant your request for others but also bless you beyond measure too.

Learned in 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.

When God gives a common purpose like He did for Solomon and Hiram as explained in 1 Kings 5, there is a chemistry and consistency that makes each individual better. One is bound to the other which provides endurance, encouragement, and extra strength.

The important project of building the temple to God was recorded in 1 Kings 6-7. For every important project, it’s important to have a plan, find helpers with certain skills, and get started; paying attention to the details and being patient but persistent until it’s finished.

This day with God, build your life like Solomon built the temple. Receive inspiration from the song Build My Life by Pat Barrett and take some of the ideas from the song to build your life according to God’s plan.

A plan with a firm foundation and by putting your trust in the Lord. For there is no one better to lead you because He leads with love so you are motivated to tell others of God’s love and His plan for them.

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

More than Just Okay

Posted on June 11, 2023 by Mark Shields

David was going through some bad days but as pointed out in Psalm 62, he knew with Yaweh things would be more than just okay.

God is interested in your future and that’s why He sent a Savior. If you desire to be a blessing to others by telling them about God’s love, it will come to pass that you will be more than just okay.

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Rewards | Tagged Bible Study, Blessings, Photo, Poise, Prayer, Rewards, Security, Trust | 3 Comments

Poetry Friday 06-09-2023

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Mark Shields

A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the post “Admit It to Fix It” that removing Godly principles from our life has disastrous effects. There is a battle going on every day and sometimes there is a need to slow down and depend on God.

God is the one that can truly get to the heart and clear what corrupts the soul. Take in the song Truth Be Told by Matthew West for encouragement. As the song points out, let us admit it and be honest because that’s the only way to fix it.

Posted in Poems | Tagged Accountability, Freedom, Integrity, Morality, Music, Plan, Poetry, Praise, Worship | Leave a comment

Project Plan

Posted on June 8, 2023 by Mark Shields

We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10

The important project of building the temple to God was started as shared in “Under Construction”. For every important project, it’s important to have a plan, find helpers with certain skills, and get started; paying attention to the details and being patient but persistent until it’s finished.

This day with God, let’s build our life like Solomon built the temple. Receive inspiration from the song Build My Life by Pat Barrett and take some of the ideas from the song to build your life according to God’s plan.