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

Questions for Reflection for Study of Deuteronomy 21-29

Posted on January 25, 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.

Deuteronomy 21 – 22 – What do you think are the important values stressed in reading this collection of laws? Why do you think, are proper family relations so crucial? What basic principles govern your life with your family? With your neighbors (See 22:1-4)?

Deuteronomy 23 – 24 – What basic religious and social values are affirmed in these laws? To what extent is exploitation forbidden? What about your basic values is revealed in your everyday actions toward your family, neighbors, and the needy?

Deuteronomy 25 – 26 – In what ways are the first fruit and tithe an acknowledgement of God’s past and continual care for the future? What values underlie the laws governing Israel’s religious, social, political, and moral life? How do these values affect your attitudes toward the major issues facing society today?

Deuteronomy 27 – What is involved in the solemn ceremony which is to follow the renewing of the covenant in Canaan (See 11:26-32)? How are the curses the same as the Ten Commandments (See Chapt. 5)? How are the curses different than the Ten Commandments? What areas of life are violated in these curses?

Deuteronomy 28 – Imagine you are listening to Moses. How do the blessings affect you? How do the curses affect you? Visualize your nation obeying God’s plan. What do you think the response would be from surrounding nations?

Deuteronomy 29 – What has God done for them in the past? How has God called you to personal commitment? What is the comparison between idolatry with a root (v. 18)? In what ways have you been tempted to substitute mere conformity to Christian ethics or conduct for inner reality of true commitment?

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 | 3 Comments

Ruth: A Story of Redemption, Part 3

Posted on January 24, 2021 by Mark Shields

Today’s message from my pastor at this link about what is recorded in Ruth 3. Boaz is a wealthy land owner and Ruth is in a desperate situation. Two very different people but sharing one thing in common; knowledge of the ONE true God and faithfulness to Him.

Worship online via FUMC at this link https://firstwaco.com/ or Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

Posted in Worship | Tagged Apps, Diversity, Faithfulness, On-line, Praise, Sermon, Worship | 1 Comment

Spiritual Journey Through Deuteronomy 14-20

Posted on January 23, 2021 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been reading and sharing some thoughts from the study of Deuteronomy 14-20. The Bible is all about gaining wisdom because we are learning from the past, praying in the present, and listening for instructions toward the future. 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.

One thought brought out in the post “Dedicated to the Purpose” is God’s Plan for Us. He wants what is best for us and is concerned about how we treat our neighbors so the tithe provides a means of support for the good works within a community.

The post “Accept the Help” discussed the principle of forgiving debt on the seventh year. Payment of a loan was extended for one year as a generous act of concern for neighbors in need. They were given a grace period similar to the grace of the gospel in pardoning sins.

Significance of joy in worship was brought out in the post “Joy in All We Do”. The basis of Hebrew worship is remembrance, joyfulness, and praise for what God has given. If those under the law could celebrate, how much more can we who receive the holy gift of the gospel, rejoice and be full of life.

Highlighted in the post “The Integrity of the Cross” is that the treasure of what is true and right must be for all. A society must judge with integrity and with the friendly companion of truth which history has sorted out over time. Proven throughout history is that the accurate Word of God is reliable to nourish and strengthen a society so it can flourish.

Brought out in the post “Justice” is that God loves order. He has a plan for us so priorities are set up. We have order in how neighbors should treat each other and laws to secure justice.

A take away from the post “Victorious Outcomes” is that God has our interest in mind when we go to Him in prayer believing that He will give us what has been promised. There is always a wonderful outcome when we trust in the Lord to help us face our internal battles.

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

Answer to Questions

Posted on January 22, 2021 by Mark Shields

Because of what Christ has done for us, we have hope for things getting better and better. Sometimes we may have questions and this creates doubt but what’s important is to keep asking; keep seeking answers.

The hate … mass shootings
 Suffering from disease
 Difficult days in the past 
 The future no breeze


For uncertainties
 Some have suggestions
 But Christ is the best
 Answer to our questions
 
   
 We think about things 
 Like why bad must happen
But get strapped in
For we have a captain
   

 We will make a climb
 Holding on to hope
 In order to endure
 And get up the slope
  

 Lord knows the plans
We can count on it 
 So be confident
 And never quit
   
 
 Poem by Mark Shields – © 01-21-2021
 Inspired by
 “This Day with God Devotional – Answer to Questions“

Posted in Poems | Tagged Confidence, Eternity, Future, Hope, Patience, Plans, Poetry, Prayer | 1 Comment

Believe and Receive

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Mark Shields

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. – Mark 11:24

There is always a wonderful outcome when we trust in the Lord to help face our internal battles. As brought out in the post “Victorious Outcomes”, God has our interest in mind when we go to Him in prayer believing that He will give us what has been promised.

The good fruit like faith, hope, and love increases as nourishment is received from the Word, as we pray, and as we take action. Accept God’s love, take inspiration from songs like Multiplied by NeedToBreathe, grow the fruits of the Spirit, and believe in receiving victorious outcomes.

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