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

Questions for Reflection for the Study of Ephesians 1 through 3

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Mark Shields

The journey through the book of Ruth has come to a close and now the journey will go into the book of Ephesians. Paul sends this letter to the church at Ephesus which is a huge city and the epicenter of the church. This book of the bible tells the gospel story and links this to our story.

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable as I share about God’s Word. As I share about my study of the book of Ephesians, it’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Christ as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make each day amazing!

Questions for Reflection

Ephesians 1:1-14 – What has God the Father done for you? What is the focal point of God’s plan for all history? How does this fact help establish priorities for the furthering of God’s purpose in your life and the world today? How can you express today the unity that is in Christ?

Ephesians 1:15-23 – What are the specific things Paul prays God will do in the lives of these Christians? To what extent do you desire that such things be incorporated into your life and in the life of your friends? How does Paul describe the immeasurable greatness of the power in believers?

Ephesians 2:1-10 – What are the consequences of following the ways of the world? Who has taken the initiative in saving you from these consequences? What is your response for the gift? How can you demonstrate to those around you that you are God’s workmanship?

Ephesians 2:11-22 – Why does the blood of Christ make unity possible for the Gentile and Jew? What is the foundation of the church? What are some practical ways in which you can use your talents to get in the game to benefit God’s team which is the universal church?

Ephesians 3:1-13 – What is the mystery of which Paul speaks (See 1:9-10)? What is the role of the church in unfolding the plan God has for us? To what extent are you committed to active participation in the work of the church? What specific steps are you taking to make all see the wisdom of God as detailed in the gospel message?

Ephesians 3:14-21 – What is the reason (see v.1, 14) Paul talks about? What are the requests Paul has within his prayer? What is the extent of the power now within you? In your prayers, who places the limits on what God can do? Are you experiencing God’s power or just coasting?

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 or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey.

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. <https://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 the Book of Ruth

Posted on March 7, 2022 by Mark Shields

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

In “Pathway to Dreams”, noted is that nothing is more important than following God’s will. Ruth knew she was following God’s will and we know today that she was right on target. We each need to work towards a future that gives us better aim and makes us feel important. Following God’s Plan for Us is the road map to get us there.

Written in “Glean Food for the Soul” are some thoughts on the kindness of Boaz towards Ruth. This example of caring demonstrates true friendship and there is no better friend we have than Jesus.

Brought out in “Learn and Affirm” is that the most important task in our life is to make sure we reach our full potential for God’s glory. The first step is to accept our Friend in Jesus. Then to seek out others and help them reach their full potential by encouraging them as a person of great value to God. A treasure that is loved beyond measure!

From “Blessed Day Following the Way”, the kinsman didn’t take Ruth as his wife because he feared this act would damage his family name or inheritance. But Boaz stepped up to become the guardian-redeemer of Ruth and was blessed with their son who ultimately became the ancestor of Christ.

Keep up with my spiritual journey over the next few weeks either through following this blog or 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 | Tagged Bible Study, Community, Faith, Family, Hope, Journey, Lessons, Love, Prayer, spirituality, Values, victory, Wisdom, Worship | 1 Comment

Seed to Succeed

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Mark Shields

This poem highlights the thought that like seeds growing gradually into a harvest, so too are the principles of God towards a victorious life.

Step Ahead

Like a mustard seed,
God’s kingdom starts small 
Then continues to grow 
To be largest of all.

It may seem small at first 
But grows on many an acre 
Big enough to become 
The difference maker.

There is no need 
To get stressed out
For each new day
There will be less doubt.

Improvements will be made
With determination
As the Spirit leads
And actions are taken.

Experience will 
Continually be gained
To step ahead
Equipped and trained.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 03-03-2022
Inspired by “Seed to Succeed”
Thought - Seeds grow gradually into a harvest. In the same way, God’s Word provides seeds that eventually grow to help us succeed in life. 
Photo - Bing Images
Music - Without Jesus, we are hopeless but with Jesus, we’ve been rescued. Take inspiration from the song Rescue by Lauren Daigle and have confidence that God’s army will…

View original post 14 more words

Posted in Poems | Tagged Difficulties, Growth, Holy Spirit, Improvement, Mystery, Nourishment, Poetry, Prayer, Success, victory | Leave a comment

Freer with the Redeemer

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Mark Shields

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. – 2 Corinthians 8:9

From “Blessed Day Following the Way” the kinsman didn’t take Ruth fearing damage to his family name or inheritance. But Boaz stepped up to become the guardian-redeemer of Ruth and was blessed with their son who became the ancestor of Christ.

Reflect on the song Mercy by Elevation Worship Maverick City & Chris Brown. There is goodness and mercy for in Christ we are freer and there is power in the blood of Christ our redeemer.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Rewards | Tagged Devotional, Direction, Extraordinary, Faith, Genealogy, Grace, Music, Obedience, Praise, Reward, Worship | 1 Comment

Blessed Day Following the Way

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Mark Shields

This day with God, we follow the Way and believe. We are thankful for His provision; grateful for all we receive. Today, we are reading Ruth 4 and planning this day knowing that extraordinary things will happen because of our obedience to the Way.

Boaz went to the town gate which is the center of social and communal life during those times to work out the legal procedure where the next of kin would redeem the land and property of Naomi. An agreement was made in the presence of elders that the guardian-redeemer would buy the land.

But once the guardian-redeemer found out that marrying Ruth who was the daughter-in-law of Naomi was a part of the agreement, he decided not to take on the responsibility so Boaz who was next in line said he would buy the property from Naomi and take Ruth as his wife.

The kinsman didn’t take Ruth fearing damage to his family name or inheritance but Boaz stepped up to meet the needs of Ruth. We know how Ruth had given up her own home, her country, and family in order to go God’s way. There was sacrifice and cost for both Ruth and Boaz but God was active in their life.

Since God was active in their life and they were obedient to His way, they were rewarded beyond measure. Born to them was a son who became a part of the lineal ancestor of Christ. At the end of this book is the genealogy which points out that their son named Obed was the grandfather of David.

All that matters is that we do what God wants us to do so if we listen and get direction from God and follow His Way, what we thought would be ordinary becomes extraordinary and we are rewarded beyond our imagination!

Following Your Way Lord brings joy and peace in our life. All the books of the Bible form the most joyful book in the world. There is a wonderful ending just like today’s passage in which Boaz takes Ruth as his wife. Their child becomes the grandfather of David and in Your lineage. Our Lord and Savior, You take what seems to be ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary. Amen.