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

Questions for Reflection for Study of Judges 8 – 13

Posted on June 29, 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.

Judges 8 – What motive is reflected in the actions of the men of Ephraim? To whom do the people give credit for the victory? Do I tend to want to accept the praise for myself or truly acknowledge that it was all the Lord’s doing?

Judges 9 – What basic argument does Abimelech use to persuade the people to accept him as their leader? How are the selfish motives of Abimelech demonstrated repeatedly in the events recorded in this passage? How does Abimelech pay for is methods of gaining power? When have you experienced a similar boomerang effect?

Judges 10 – What, do you think, is the appeal of the nations’ gods for Israel? What is the result of following idols? Why did Israel have to endure oppression? What indicates that the people have a definite change of heart?

Judges 11 – What did Jephthah do to cause the people to listen to him? In the dispute of the land, what does Jephthah point out about the ownership of the land? What is your view of making and keeping vows to the Lord?

Judges 12 – What is different about the ways Jephthah and Gideon (See 8:1-3) handle the resentment of the men of Ephraim? What is noticeable about the impact of the death of the judges in this chapter? To what extent are you dependent on the leadership of another person for your spiritual stability?

Judges 13 – How is the calling of Samson as judge different from the other callings thus far? Describe Manoah’s concern for the future of this promised son. What in Samson’s childhood shows that the Lord confirms his calling of Samson?

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 Judges 1-7

Posted on June 28, 2021 by Mark Shields

Photo – Bing Images

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in Judges 1-7 and sharing some thoughts that not only benefit us 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.

Shared in the post “Line up with the Plan”, was how the Israelites had escaped slavery in Egypt and finally made it to the Promised Land but didn’t completely finish God’s plan. Unfortunately, they half way completed the plan and this would come back to cause their downfall.

The post “Focus on the Way” pointed out that once Joshua died, the Israelites lacked leadership and lost their way. The judges helped the people to understand the Way of the Lord but upon the death of a judge, the people would fall back to their destructive habits.

Within the post “Roadmap to Victory” are examples of how victories were gained. The greatest attribute of those that gained victories was that they let God lead them. Today, we can do the same by using God’s plan for us.

For like what was pointed out in the post “He Prepares the Way”, great things can be done with God’s help because He prepares the way. Those against us don’t stand a chance when we know God is our strength and we work together to advance His cause.

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 in current times.

We learned about the unlikely hero named Gideon in the post “Step Ahead with Faith”. Gideon was prepared to carry out the plan received from God. Even though Gideon was hesitant and had doubts about his ability to follow through with the plan, he passed the test by receiving guidance from the Holy Spirit and taking the initiative to carry out the plan step by step.

A take away from the post “Productive and Efficient” is that we can make humble use of the basic plan that God provides and this plan is greater than any suggestion presented by an exclusive group of experts.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals | Tagged Bible Study, Community, Faith, Family, Hope, Journey, Lessons, Love, Prayer, spirituality, Values, victory, Wisdom, Worship | 1 Comment

Step Ahead Each Day

Posted on June 25, 2021 by Mark Shields

Many may criticize and oppose but with God, we have unlimited power to step ahead. This poem was written to encourage starting each day’s journey with prayer and to step ahead on the journey with confidence.

Step Ahead

The world spreads envy
Which leads to pettiness
And the ones hurt most
Are the jealous.

Then those envious
Put up a roadblock
But there is someone
Who listens if they talk!

Through prayers God listens
And if stressed out,
He’s big enough
To take away any doubt.

With Good News shared 
To help step ahead 
Along the way together  
As the gospel is spread.

With Christian blogs
Just a click away 
To inspire another step 
Along the way each day.


Poem by MarkShields – © 06-24-2021
Inspired by
“Step Ahead Each Day”
Photo - My iPhone showing the free app available in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Humility, Leadership, Poetry, Prayer, Technology, victory, Virtues | Leave a comment

Humble Use of the Basic Plan

Posted on June 24, 2021 by Mark Shields

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you. – Proverbs 9:10-11

God can use us to do amazing things! We have potential to win great battles in life if we follow God’s plan for us, keep going when things get difficult, listen for guidance in our application of the plan, and follow directions to solve the solution with God’s strength.

Take inspiration from the song Word of God Speak by MercyMe as you stay and rest in God’s holiness today.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Good Common Sense, Wisdom | Tagged Courage, Devotional, enthusiasm, Guidance, Holy Spirit, Imagination, Leadership, Music, Praise, Strategy, Wisdom, Worship | 1 Comment

Productive and Efficient

Posted on June 23, 2021 by Mark Shields

Photo Source – Bing Images

As we follow God’s plan today, let us start by reading Judges 7 and the plan that is given to Gideon which is an imaginative plan that was productive and efficient. We read that Gideon and his army were camped at the spring of Harod and the Midian camp was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh. God tells Gideon to send those who lacked courage home so the troop size eventually went from 32,000 to 300 men.

To prepare and strategize for the battle, God continues to influence Gideon’s actions as their leader. He listened to God’s instructions to carry out the plan. Each soldier had a trumpet and a jar. They followed Gideon’s lead and when they reached the edge of the camp, they blew their trumpets and broke the jars (v. 19).

This strategy caused the Midianites to panic because the Midianites believed that each of the 300 who blew their trumpets was backed up by thousands of soldiers behind them. The Midianites were totally confused to the point that they turned on each other killing many of their own troops with the remaining fleeing for safety in their panic.

A take away from today’s passage is how God’s strength works through human weakness. The lack of courage within the ranks of Gideon’s army influenced the trimming down of the army to just the courageous few who took on an enemy that was much larger.

God is greatest in our human weakness and His strength will make the journey of life less difficult. This day with God, let us be enthusiastically affected and make humble use of God’s Plan for Us which ultimately is greater than any suggestion presented by an exclusive group of experts.

This day with You Lord, speak to us about the plan for this day so we are efficient and productive in all that we do. Use us to do amazing things for you Lord. We may have weaknesses but with You, we can win our battles in life if we follow Your plan. Your expertise is greater than any authority of this world and Your Word gives wisdom to do amazing things for Your Purpose. Amen.