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

Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Samuel 29 Through 31

Posted on February 3, 2022 by Mark Shields

We are nearing the end of our journey through the book of 1 Samuel with three more chapters to go. We will continue to be focused on the purpose of this blog as we continue to use it in helping us to apply His Word in our life. I’ve found it to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are keeping me accountable to daily Bible reading and study.

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. Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles at work, at home, and in all we do.

Here is a link to all the devotionals done so far

Index of devotionals

Anyone can join in as we journey together.

Also, the concepts presented in God’s Perfect Timing offer ideas for using our time wisely and the lessons of God’s Plan for Us gives a method towards making an impact in the world in which we live.

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable to sharing about God’s word. As I share about my study of the book of Leviticus over the next few weeks, 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 this day amazing!

Questions for Reflection

1 Samuel 29 – What is David’s predicament? In spite of David’s dishonesty, how does God honor his former concern to spare Saul? How has God delivered you from situations you have gotten yourself into because of sin or unbelief?

1 Samuel 30 – How does God use the Amalekites’ raid in David’s life? How does difficult situations strengthen you in the Lord? Are you learning to pray before you make decisions?

1 Samuel 31 – What is the outcome of the battle between Israel and the Philistines? What happens to Saul and his sons? To whom do the Philistines proclaim their victory? What are your thoughts in how to be obedient to the ONE true God?

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.

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 1 Samuel 23 – 28

Posted on February 2, 2022 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in 1 Samuel 23-28 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.

As pointed out in the post “Accepting What Christ did on the Cross”, we have Truth which liberates the heart, mind, body, and soul to set us free. The Truth provides us with a cohesive plan because the Spirit prompts us for every step we take.

David was done wrong by Saul and he couldn’t make it on his own. Noted in the post “Champions God the Distance” is that he needed patience so God could set things up for total victory.

There are times when we feel that life is broken. In the post “The Great Physician Removes Our Burdens”, noted was the broken life of Abigail who was involved in a terrible relationship with a wicked husband and David who was also broken because of the recent death of Samuel who was his spiritual confidant.

As pointed out in the post “Eternal Rewards of the Holy Spirit”, wealth of this world is a small reward compared to what the Holy Spirit provides for eternity.

Even though there will be challenges along the way, we can boldly step ahead because like the post “Give It Your Best Shot” points out, we can accept each challenge to face them head on with the promise of victory given to us in Christ.

The post “Brighter Tomorrow” gave a lesson in stepping ahead of dark times by finding solutions. Before the dark times get darker, we can step ahead by receiving God’s true Light that brightens the path to a new day.

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, Wisdom, Worship | 1 Comment

Inspiring Lift for Difficult Days

Posted on February 1, 2022 by Mark Shields

In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. – Psalm 94:19

Be inspired by the song Be Alright by Evan Craft, Redimi2, Danny Gokey. God can silence our fears and take away our tears. He can pull us from the sinking sand because the whole world is in His hands.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Overcome Difficulty | Tagged Challenges, Confidence, Devotional, Inspiration, Music, Overcome Difficulty, Praise, Sunset, Treasure, Worship | 5 Comments

Brighter Tomorrow

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Mark Shields

A golden sunset that pierces through and colors the clouds may give an inspiring lift after a difficult day. The picture of a sunset was taken only about three miles from my house at Woodway Park in Waco Texas. There may be hidden treasures near you today that you can seek and get excited about. Just as there may be hidden treasures in God’s word as we read today in 1 Samuel 28.

Remember from our reading so far that David had been fleeing Saul who was out to kill him. David has had several opportunities to kill Saul but didn’t because he said that the matter should be in God’s hands. Today’s passage says that God was no longer with Saul.

David sought refuge from Saul by joining with the Philistines. When the Philistines set up camp near Saul’s army, Saul became fearful. He inquired of the Lord but got no answer so he decided to turn to a medium even though he had expelled from the land all mediums or those who could consult a sprit.

He didn’t want anyone to know that he was consulting with a medium so Saul disguised himself. Then found someone who could consult with the spirit of Samuel who had recently died. The medium was able to get in touch with the spirit of Samuel who told Saul that the Lord would deliver both Israel and Saul into the hands of the Philistines (v. 19). Immediately Saul was filled with fear, completely shaken, and very weak.

Instead of letting go of the past, Saul never could. He was always jealous of David. David on the other hand was someone who could rise above situations when things happened that he had no control over or when those he thought he could trust did things that made him not trust them anymore.

This day with God, let us be able to forgive, step ahead, and be grateful for what we do have. Dark times challenge us to change our thinking and find solutions. Before the darkness gets darker and then goes pitch black, let us step ahead. Let us receive God’s true light that brightens the path and gives us access to more power than we could ever imagine.

Lord help us to take on the challenges we face so that we can get through the darkness into a new day. We have confidence that we can step ahead of our challenges. We may face financial issues, health matters, or other challenges beyond our ability to solve but You have a plan for us. Christ has entered in with grace so we know all we need is patience because You have provided the way to overcome. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Overcome Difficulty | Tagged Bible Study, Challenges, Confidence, Inspiration, Overcome Difficulty, Photo, Prayer, Sunset, Treasure | 1 Comment

The Way of Jesus

Posted on January 28, 2022 by Mark Shields

This poem emphasizes the Way of Jesus which is about doing what’s right, about real life & not getting caught up in ridiculous mindless ceremonies. What fresh expressions of Christianity need to be a part of your life?

Step Ahead

Many challenges 
We face each day
But they are met
By following the Way.

Doing what’s right
And living the real life;
Not the made up one
That causes so much strife.

So internalize 
Each principle
Taught by Jesus Christ
To be invincible.

Harness the power 
Of the Holy Spirit
And the enemy 
Will always fear it.

For the Spirit brings
To all posterity
Constant power now
And through eternity.


Poem by Mark Shields – © 01-27-2022
Inspired by “The Way of Jesus”
Thought - Christianity is all about doing what’s right, about real life & not getting caught up in ridiculous mindless ceremonies. 
Music - This day with God, take inspiration from the song The Way by Jeremy Camp. Ask yourself, what fresh expressions of Christianity need to be a part of my life?