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

Questions for Reflection for Study of Judges 1-7

Posted on June 7, 2021 by Mark Shields

The journey through the book of Mark came to a close last week and now the journey will go back into the Old Testament for a while through the book of Judges. 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 Judges 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

Judges 1 through 2:5 – In what different ways, do the various tribes of Israel treat the people of the land? How is God consistent with his nature when he declares judgment on his people? How does this situation affect your attitude about God’s commandments for you?

Judges 2:6 through 3:6 – To what extent does the people’s obedience to God depend on an obedient leader? How does God provide a way for the people to get to know him? In what ways can you know God? What specific commandments do the Israelites disobey (See Deut. 7:1-5)?

Judges 3:7-31 – How do the people respond to being educated in ways of the ONE true God? What are the reasons for the success of the judges? What pattern of God’s dealings with his people do you see in this chapter?

Judges 4-5 – What pressures move the children of Israel to appeal to God for deliverance? Why are Deborah and Barak considered to be co-deliverers? How does Sisera’s army fall?

Judges 6 – What do Gideon’s actions and conversation reveal about his character? What do you learn about guidance from Gideon’s experience? To what extent will you claim God’s faithfulness to enable you to do what God has called you to do?

Judges 7 – In what ways are the selected soldiers more qualified than the ones sent home? How does God continue to be the controlling influence in Israel’s battle preparations and strategy? What causes the Midianites’ to panic? What do you learn here about the way God’s strength works through human weakness? How can you know God’s strength in your life today?

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

Guided By His Word

Posted on June 4, 2021 by Mark Shields

This day with God, we have a chance to embrace the lessons of the bible so they settle in our heart along with the experiences of life and prayer to lead us on our path to victory.

Step Ahead

The Lord guides us today 
And things fall into place
With the spoken word 
That we love to embrace.

Lessons are given 
From the Bible 
That sink into the heart 
And make us able.

Instructions are given
As we follow the Way,
Worship in song with praise,
And pray throughout the day.

There is a change 
In behavior
As we follow the Way
Of our Lord and Savior. 
This wonderful day
With providence,
We step ahead
In confidence.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 06-03-2021
Inspired by
“Guided By His Word”
Photo – Taken at Carleen Bright Arboretum in Woodway Texas about 2 miles from my house

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Advice, Decisions, Grace, Guidance, Insight, poem, Prayer, Savior, Spirit | 1 Comment

Set Free on the Road to Victory

Posted on June 3, 2021 by Mark Shields

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. – Matthew 28:19-20

The post “Today’s Exciting Gift” is about the gift of Jesus appearing after He had risen. He gave instructions to the disciples and these instructions are still available to us today through God’s Word and the Holy Spirit.

We have the opportunity to tell others about this exciting gift available to all. The song Come to the Table by Sidewalk Prophets is about offering this food for the soul to others by meeting together to tell about the Good News of the gospel. Let us set out today to prepare more followers to be set free and step ahead on the road to victory.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Initiative | Tagged Devotional, Excitement, Good News, Holy Spirit, Initiative, Miracles, Music, Praise, victory, Worship | 2 Comments

Today’s Exciting Gift

Posted on June 2, 2021 by Mark Shields

This day with God will be excited because each day is a gift. Take the opportunity this day to open His word and tell others what you have received. Today, the gift of Mark 16:9-20 is waiting to be unwrapped.

When Jesus had risen, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene. Afterward, He appeared to two disciples as they were walking in the country on the road to Emmaus. Later, Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating.

Jesus encouraged them to go into all the world and preach the gospel. He told them they would have the power to accomplish miracles. They followed these instructions and the Lord was with them to confirm His word by the signs that accompanied it (v. 20).

The disciples did what Jesus asked them to do. They told others about the Good News and that’s what we should do. This day with God, let us think of ways to prepare others so they are excited about opening the gift that leads to a victorious life.

We pray God for ideas as we set out to bring others into discipleship. It all starts with one small step and then we will find that You can get us farther than we ever thought we could by taking things step by step. The first step is accepting Jesus as Savior. The next step is telling others about this Good News. We believe the Spirit will empower us to carry out this mission! We are ready to go and ready to take on this challenge with confidence because as we step ahead, Jesus will show up by surprise and will be our guide. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Initiative | Tagged Bible Study, Excitement, Good News, Holy Spirit, Initiative, Miracles, Photo, Prayer, victory | 3 Comments

Strength to Step Ahead

Posted on June 1, 2021 by Mark Shields

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

A take away from the post “Step Ahead with Optimism and Courage” is to keep going even when you think it is over. If trouble comes your way, keep the faith and seek Christ diligently. Maintain hope and you will find that difficulties will vanish because the love of God through Christ will give you the strength to step ahead.

Take inspiration from this thought today about the strength you have to step ahead. Celebrate with the song My Victory – Passion (Feat. Crowder) because like the song says, the death of Jesus is hell’s defeat. The cross meant to kill, is your victory.