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

Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Samuel 17 through 22

Posted on December 14, 2021 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 work, at home, and in all we do.

1 Samuel 17 – What is the psychological condition of Saul and the Israelites (See 16:14)? How long has Goliath challenged the Israelites? What preparation does David have to fight Goliath? Do you trust in swords, spears, and javelins instead of God?

1 Samuel 18 – To what extent do you pray for God’s guidance in your friendships? How does Saul react to David’s success? Why do all Israel and Judah love David?

1 Samuel 19 – How does Jonathan convince Saul that he should not kill David? How does Michal assist David (Ps. 59 gives insight into David’s thinking and praying during the decisive period of v. 11)? Do you live according to principles you know are right or according to your mood of the moment?

1 Samuel 20 – In what ways is Jonathan’s friendship with David remarkable? How do David and Jonathan plan to find out Saul’s attitude toward David? Do you trust God to overrule your circumstances?

Samuel 21 – What does David need now? What does Ahimelech give David? What does God want you to do when you are in trouble? Will he permit lying to relieve some situational pressure on you?

1 Samuel 22 – Who gathers with David at Adullam? Does Ahimelech say anything about having been deceived? For what reason does Saul order Ahimelech and the priests of Nob killed? Who kills them? Who takes the blame for their death?

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 A pp 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 1 Samuel 11 through 16

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in 1 Samuel 11-16 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.

From the post “Take Courage in the Figh t”, the main thought brought out is that the outcome is bright when everyone works together with a belief that the Holy Spirit will lead to victory.

You can expect a great adventure as explained in the post “One Small Step” by taking things to God and allowing Him to strengthen; letting Him assist in brightly illuminating your joy so it becomes light along the path.

Brought out in the post “Equipped for Battle” is that patience can achieve more than your own determined effort so wait for God, seek Him constantly, be determined to keep His plan, and obey His commands. Rely on the armor of God for safety and follow God’s plan to take on the challenges ahead.

The post “Boldly Going to Places that No One Else will Go” gave an example of the Bible character named Jonathan who had confidence and this assurance influenced the men around him so that victory over the enemy became possible. Confidence in the Lord helps settle the past and determine the future. It provides the foundation of courage to assist as you start a bold adventure and directs your steps to greatness.

In the journey through 1 Samuel 15, noted is that God rejected Saul as king because he was disobedient in not completely following His instructions. This was the main point of “Following Instructions” in which discovered was how important it is to set your mind on things above in order to completely understand and follow God’s instructions because He knows the greater scheme of things.

David was chosen by God to fulfill his purpose in life. A thought from “Prepared to Fulfill Our Purpose” is that God has chosen you to fulfill your purpose too. Be assured that God will put you in circumstances to prepare you and all you need to do is follow His directions.

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

Patience During Difficulty

Posted on December 10, 2021 by Mark Shields

This poem emphasizes the importance of reading from the Bible each day to gain resources for life. These resources are like treasure for our spiritual wealth as they provide for our needs and stay securely with us forever as a resource to step ahead.

Step Ahead

Facing the enemy
Who provides only strife
And sets me back
With hardships in life.

I never give up
Or become complacent
But just inspired
And always patient.

I keep on praying
And keep being spurred
As I keep on reading
God’s sacred Word. 

It keeps me going
With food for the soul
To meet my needs
And make me whole.

This day I take in
My daily bread
A resource forever
To help step ahead.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-2-2021
Inspired by
“Patience During Difficulty”
Thoughts – After being baptized, Jesus was subjected to the harsh environment of the wilderness and tempted by Satan for forty days. Knowing that Jesus underwent this prolonged experience in utter loneliness inspires us to be patient in difficulty.

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Baptism, Faith, Holy Spirit, Photo, poem, Prayer | Leave a comment

Called According to His Purpose

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Mark Shields

All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

The post “Prepared to Fulfill Our Purpose” was about David being chosen by God to fulfill his purpose in life. God has chosen you to fulfill your purpose too. Be assured that God will put you in circumstances to prepare you and all you need to do is follow His directions.

Give God the glory for the purpose He has for you. Praise Him with songs like I’m Building a Bridge by Signature Sound. There is a sure path provided with God’s Plan for us and it’s a clear path so like the song says, I’m walking the path, I’m going to keep following through. Child of God … how about you!

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Purpose | Tagged Devotional, Holy Spirit, Music, Praise, Preparation, Purpose, Qualification, Worship | 1 Comment

Prepared to Fulfill Our Purpose

Posted on December 8, 2021 by Mark Shields

This day with God, we will be led by His word and this will allow us to think about ways to apply our faith so we will be prepared to fulfill our purpose. Things will seem to fall in place and we will get a lot more done than we ever imagined. As we read 1 Samuel 16, the plan is to use the following questions to stimulate thought and come up with ideas for applying God’s word in our life so that the pathway to our future is clear.

Does the Lord answer Samuel’s question and objection? What instructions does the Lord give Samuel? How is verse 7 important in your attitude? What assurance do these chapters give that God will prepare you?

The Lord told Samuel that Saul had been rejected as king and to set out to find another person to be king. Samuel feared for his life because he knew Saul would kill him when he found out. The Lord gave Samuel instructions to go to Bethlehem because He had chosen one of Jesse’s sons to be king. The least likely and the youngest son named David was chosen.

David did not appear to be the one God had chosen because he was only 16 years old and looked less qualified than his brothers but the Lord doesn’t look at outward appearance. The Lord looks at what’s on the inside at the heart so David was anointed by Samuel and the Spirit of the Lord was with David.

On the other hand, the Spirit of the Lord had departed Saul and an evil spirit tormented him (v. 14). His attendants searched for someone to play the harp to calm Saul down and make him feel better. They knew that David had this skill and could help Saul cope with his depressed state so they sent for him. Saul was pleased with David and made him one of his armor-bearers (v. 21).

Serving the king, David became aware of how to lead a nation. Just as the Lord prepared David for his purpose, we can be assured that the Lord will prepare each of us for our ultimate purpose. Be assured that if you follow His path and give praise for the opportunity that you will be qualified to fulfill that purpose.

This day with You Lord we accept your plan and purpose for our life. You have prepared us for this purpose and we are qualified to fulfill this purpose as we follow Your directions step by step. We give You praise for the opportunity. Amen.