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

Poetry Friday 08-05-2022

Posted on August 5, 2022 by Mark Shields

A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the post “Shout Out to Jesus”. Before Bartimaeus was healed from blindness, he had faith which gave him joy, eagerness, and enthusiasm because he had confidence in what Jesus could do to get him to a better place in life.

These are the same qualities we need as we strive to get to a better place in life. Each step we take with Jesus by our side gets us closer to where we want to be. Here’s a song that provides inspiration as we step ahead today: Come to the Table By Sidewalk Prophets.

Posted in Poems | Tagged Creation, enthusiasm, Faith, Joy, Music, Poetry, Praise, Vision, Worship | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of Job 29 – 34

Posted on August 4, 2022 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 be successful. 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.

Job 29 – What have been the sources of Job’s happiness in the past? In what areas does Job claim integrity? To what extent can you trust God for your future prosperity or adversity?

Job 30 – What is different about Job’s past and present situation? What do people think of him now (See 19:13-22)? How does Job feel God has “rewarded” him? How do you respond to God’s reward?

Job 31 – In what areas does Job claim integrity? What reasons are given for his right attitudes and behavior? What has been accomplished during the third round of speeches? What are some ideas or solutions to a world without integrity?

Job 32 – What is the focus of Elihu’s anger toward Job? Toward the three friends? Why has he been silent so far? Where does understanding come from according to Elihu?

Job 33 – How does Elihu establish contact with Job’s situation? What does the chapter teach about God’s initiative toward man? How has God spoken to you in either of these ways recently? What is the progression in restoring people from the depths of suffering?

Job 34 – What is Elihu’s view of the universe and God? What quality in God does Elihu extol? To what extent do you think Elihu is right?

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.

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/>.

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.

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 | 1 Comment

Spiritual Journey Through Job 21 – 28

Posted on August 3, 2022 by Mark Shields

God has a purpose for us 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 be successful. If you have not done so yet, click the follow button to be notified of future post.

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

The journey through the book of Job continued within the post “Purpose of the Journey”. Noted is that Job complained to God for letting evil people experience wealth and happiness. We don’t have to completely understand God’s ways. Even Jesus had questions before going to the cross but He continued to follow God’s purpose for His life.

My friend, as brought out in “The Light Provides a Future that is Bright”, we are no longer alone. God has taken the initiative to find us in the dark and this initiative gives us a new start through the gift of His Son. This advantage provides the Light that gives confidence and optimism; a source of inspiration that enables believers to hold their head high and claim a bright future.

God has made you to be His hands and feet as brought out in “Special Purpose” so be a good steward of what He has given you. Be a participant in the purpose He has for you.

In “Delight in the Things of God” I noted that Job and his friends came to different conclusions even though they had the same facts because they were looking at things from two different perspectives.

The wisdom found in God’s Word is of more value than gold. As shared in “Valuable Treasure”, we can discover God’s revealed wisdom by reading His word, sharing with others, prayer, and listening to songs from the Spirit.

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 so we step ahead along the path to victory.

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 | Leave a comment

Songs from the Spirit

Posted on August 2, 2022 by Mark Shields

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. – Colossians 3:16

This day with God, collect this valuable treasure of wisdom and organize in your thoughts so they can be shared and applied. Also, give praise to the Lord with songs like My Jesus by Anne Wilson.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Faith | Tagged Devotional, Faith, Grace, Love, Music, Praise, Treasure, Wisdom, Worship | 1 Comment

Valuable Treasure

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Mark Shields

We continue this day with God taking in the treasure of His Word. Collecting knowledge and wisdom and sharing the wealth with others. Growing rich in grace through Christ the Son and unifying as one. Holding on to what we know but then continuing to grow so we learn more each day of God’s love. Then living this love out by applying our faith and sharing with others.

Within Job 28, this description of mining serves the purpose of communicating how much trouble people will go through to obtain the treasures of this world. If people go through that much trouble for valuable things of this world, shouldn’t they be willing to go through much more to obtain the treasures of God’s wisdom which has value that stays in the possession of a person throughout eternity.

Technological advancement is from human ingenuity and God has made people with great skills. The only problem with technology is that it has flaws at times and there is a need to constantly change to keep up to date. The wisdom of God is divine in nature and never changes. Once you’ve connected to God, you have access to more wisdom than the internet ever thought about having and with accurate information unlike the misinformation we seem to be getting nowadays from our media.

The lesson taken from this passage for me is that the value of God’s wisdom is greater than the valuable resources like gold that a miner searches for. We can discover God’s revealed wisdom by reading His word, sharing with others, prayer, and listening to the Holy Spirit. Our goal is to collect this valuable treasure, organize it, and share it with others. That way more and more will understand and apply this wisdom.

This day with You Lord we set out to mine for Your precious resources found in Your Word. We listen now to the Holy Spirit to take in the valuable treasure. Help us to organize this treasure in our thoughts in such a way that we apply our faith and are able to effectively share with others. Amen.