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

Questions for Reflection for Study of Judges 14-21

Posted on July 22, 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 14 – How does Samson’s basis for choosing a wife differ from that of his parents? How does God continue to be the victor in Samson’s life even though he yields to pressure? What ways has God given you victory over pressured crises?

Judges 15 – What policy have the Jews adopted in regard to their suppression under the Philistines? How is Samson able to take a different stand than they have and defy the Philistines? Can you share an experience when you asked God to meet a need of yours?

Judges 16 – How does the nature of Samson’s relationship with Delilah set the stage for his enticement by her? What is the source of Samson’s strength? How is Samson’s final prayer related to God’s purpose in his life? How can you pray according to God’s purposes in your life?

Judges 17 – What is the recurring phrase in this passage (See also 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25)? What is your definition of an idol? What do you think about the actions of the mother, Micah, and the Levite? Do you ever feel that your relationships to others will prosper you?

Judges 18 – How does this incident give you specific information about the relationship of the Jews to their priests in this period of history? Who is responsible for the victory at Laish? How does the Danites’ behavior after the victory show their token relationship to God? What is your relationship with God in your daily life and special undertakings?

Judges 19 – How was the life of the unemployed Levite? What is the value placed on hospitality? What effect does removing Godly principles from a society have?

Judges 20 – How effective is the Levites’ communication of the disaster that has corrupted Israel? What progression in the people’s dependency on God takes place here? In what ways are you dependent on God in your daily battles?

Judges 21 – How do the people get their guidance about the problem of wives for the Benjamites? Have the people learned anything about depending on God? What is the religious atmosphere of your society? What have you learned from Judges about the necessity of obedience to God and the consequences of rejection of 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.

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, Faith, Hope, Love | Tagged Bible Study, Christ, Faith, God’s Plan, Holy Spirit, Hope, Lessons, Life, Love, Prayer, Reflection, Scripture | 1 Comment

Spiritual Journey through Judges 8-13

Posted on July 21, 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 8-13 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 post “Coming Together” highlighted how Gideon overcame adversity throughout his life to do great things for God. As leader, his people achieved their aims and stepped ahead of their enemies. He then gave credit to God for all the victories.

A thought from the post “The Boomerang Effect” was that getting what you want in the wrong way is short term and inconsistent. History tells us that there is usually a negative boomerang effect. On the other hand, kindness is never wasted as it will wear well and be remembered.

Highlighted in the post “Listen and Follow” is that it takes no effort for bad habits like a lack of focus, discipline, faith, etc. to zap your energy so the bad habits set in. There is separation from God but there is a way to reconnect. Because of Christ, you can be recharged and are just one step away from doing the amazing!

Thoughts obtained from the post “Courage to Step Ahead” can help you apply your faith. With grit, determination, and a focus on God who fights for you, things once thought impossible can become possible. Once proven possible, others will join in on the path to victory.

The post “Aspire to Apply the Word” offered some thoughts on growing spiritually, being at peace with God, and being a leader in sharing good thoughts for the soul. Writing and sharing with others gets the Good News out to the world and is useful not only for yourself but to those that read your posts.

Highlighted in the post “Grow and Gather Strength” is encouragement towards your calling as you use your individual strengths for God’s glory. God uses the combined strengths of those on His team to carry out His purpose.

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

Use Your Strengths

Posted on July 20, 2021 by Mark Shields

Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10

Highlighted in the post “Grow and Gather Strength” is encouragement towards our calling as we use our individual strengths for God’s glory. God uses all our strengths to carry out His purpose.

Take inspiration from the song You Say by Lauren Daigle to face the challenges of today. Don’t believe in the lies of this world that tell us we will never measure up but listen to God who tells us that we have what it takes. He will give us the strength we need to handle the concerns, doubts, and worries of today in order to take on the challenges of the future.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Strength | Tagged Devotional, Encouragement, Leader, Music, Praise, Spirit, Strength, Worship | 1 Comment

Grow and Gather Strength

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Mark Shields

Tree we planted in our back yard a few years ago

Like a seed growing into a tall tree, greatness is accomplished after years of growth and the gathering of strength. God uses all our strengths to carry out good works and each person can excel in their calling to build up the whole body of Christ.

Reading today in Judges 13, the calling of Samson as judge is different from the other callings of judges thus far because the angel of the Lord appeared to his mother. She was given instructions to prepare for her son who would be the leader in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines (v. 5).

Samson’s father named Manoah was concerned for the future of his promised son so he prayed for how to bring up his son. The angel of the Lord appeared to Monoah and his wife to give them further instructions. When they offered a sacrifice, the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame (v. 20). Manoah and his wife then realized that this angel of the Lord was God.

Samson was born and as he grew, the Lord blessed him. The Spirit of the Lord began to stir in him while he continued to grow. This confirms the Lord’s calling of Samson as judge. This amazing passage today gives us encouragement to our calling as we use our individual strengths for God’s glory. God thinks you are AWESOME so focus on what you can do because the combined talents of His people will accomplish things that seemed to be impossible.

This day with You Lord, we have studied about the parents of Samson who were instructed about bringing up Samson. We know about Samson’s great physical strength but today we have heard about the spiritual strength given to his parents. The Good News for us is that Christ makes us strong. Even in our worst of days, you have given us the strength to handle our concerns, doubts, and worries of today in order to take on the challenges of the future. Amen

Posted in Bible Study, Strength | Tagged Bible Study, Leader, Photo, Prayer, Spirit, Strength | 5 Comments

Keep Focusing on the Destination

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Mark Shields

Refresh your memories about what God has done and be absorbed in knowing about His Word so you are equipped for victory as you go through each day. Then transfer His character into the world. This poem was written to help you focus on your ultimate eternal destination.

Step Ahead

The journey through life 
Is not always easy
Thinking of hard times,
The stomach is queasy.

But things will work out
As you prioritize
Into God’s plan
To reach new highs.

By focusing more 
On your destiny,
You’ll hand off to others
A great legacy.
 
Spiritual resources
For generations
To make places flourish
In many nations.

So think of the most
Beautiful place;
Then think of God’s
Amazing grace.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 07-15-2021
Inspired by
“Keep Focusing on the Destination”
Photo – After graduating from college, I took a few weeks to travel through Europe. The photo is of a quant village in the Swiss apps.

View original post