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

Questions for Reflection for Study of Mark 1- 3

Posted on August 10, 2020 by Mark Shields

I would like take this time to thank you for reading and liking the posts. This blog started from a small Bible Study group several years ago with just a few followers and now has grown to over 2,050 followers. I’ve found it to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are holding 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

If you are visiting and would like to get notified with each new post, I invite you to click on the follow button on the far top right of this page to join me on this journey.

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 Numbers 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

Mark 1:1-13
What does this book concern? What are the unusual events surrounding Jesus’ baptism? How many weeks is Jesus subjected to the harsh environment of the wilderness? How does knowing that Jesus underwent this prolonged experience in utter loneliness help you? What is your resource when tempted?

Mark 1:14-20
When does Jesus begin preaching? What is the heart of His message? What was the occupation or trade of His first disciples? How might Jesus relate His call to you in your present or future occupation?

Mark 1:21-39
How do Jesus’ teaching differ from the scribes? What miracles are performed the evening after leaving the synagogue? How does the following day begin? What effect, do you think, does Jesus’ “quiet time” have in sorting out priorities and planning His moves? After a busy day and evening, faced with more than you can do in a day, how do you begin a new day?

Mark 1:40-45
What is Leprosy and what are the social and religious implications (See Lev. 13:45-46)? What risk did Jesus take? Are there people in your community that most are afraid to touch? What are you doing to reach out and touch the untouchable? What instructions does Jesus give the healed man? What does the healed man do instead?

Mark 2:1-12
What do the four friends expect as they bring the helpless paralytic to Jesus? What is Jesus’ first concern for the paralytic? Why are the scribes so upset? In what ways can you go the extra mile to help a co-worker, neighbor, or friend?

Mark 2:13-17
Who is Levi? What effect does Jesus have on his life? With whom are the tax collectors identified? Who protests Jesus’ social associations? How does Jesus respond? How are Jesus’ actions consistent with His response to the Pharisees?

Mark 2:18 through 3:6
What is the issue raised in verse 18? What other things provoke criticism toward Jesus? In what ways are you bound by external religious observance? What fresh expression of Christianity needs to be a part of your life?

Mark 3:7-19
Considering the means of transportation and communication what does this reveal about Jesus’ reputation? For what three reasons does Jesus appoint twelve men? What kind of men did Jesus choose to form the core team for the spread of the gospel?

Mark 3:19-35
What two opinions are stated? Who holds each? Have you ever felt misunderstood by your family or others? What is the basis for family relationships with Jesus? What is Jesus’ place in your relationships?

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 | Leave a comment

God’s School of Wisdom

Posted on August 9, 2020 by Mark Shields

Join in on the praise as you take your first step along the journey today.

This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5

The post “From Simple to Amazing” wraps up the journey through the book of Numbers. The book is the documentation of the 39 years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land.

From this study are lessons learned and there are actions we can take to help us as we step ahead along the journey. We can take in lessons from the Word and life experiences that can then be passed on to future generations.

The best way is God’s path. Enroll in God’s school of wisdom and use the Bible as the text book to the course. Step ahead along the past with today’s inspiring song The Way by Jeremy Camp.

Index…

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Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Wisdom, Worship | Tagged Devotional, Experiences, Grace, Ideas, Journey, Lessons, Music, Praise, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship | 3 Comments

God’s School of Wisdom

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Mark Shields

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5

The best way is God’s path. Enroll in God’s school of wisdom and use the Bible as the text book to the course. Step ahead along the past with today’s inspiring song The Way by Jeremy Camp.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Wisdom | Tagged Devotional, Experiences, Grace, Ideas, Journey, Lessons, Music, Praise, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship | 3 Comments

The Way of the Gospel

Posted on August 7, 2020 by Mark Shields

The law was intended to maintain Israel’s justified relationship with God but the Gospel Way is truly Good News for all. This poem highlights this Good News today and inspires us towards God’s Plan for Us which redeems us from the empty way and rescues us through Christ who became the temple, altar, sacrifice, and all that is needed to be in a right relationship with our Creator. Boldly step ahead today going steadily forward with great expectancy to bring Him glory!

Step Ahead

Good News for all
In meeting the covenant
Is the sacrifice of Christ
Who paid the ultimate!

Becoming the temple
Martyr at the altar;
Meeting the sacrifice
To God the Father.

Making things easier
In following the Way
Because of the direct
Connection to Yahweh.

Making it possible
To follow the laws,
Rules and regulations
Without any pause.

Following the path laid
On a firm foundation
By simply accepting
The invitation.

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Accomplishments, Expectations, Good News, Gospel, Holiness, Poetry, Prayer, Sacrifice | Leave a comment

From Simple to Amazing

Posted on August 6, 2020 by Mark Shields

Simple ideas can result in amazing discoveries. Think about it: All the lyrics to songs and all the books written were formed from the 26 letters of the alphabet. The journey through the book of Numbers has some simple ideas but gives us amazing discoveries. The journey concludes with the last two chapters: Numbers 35-36.

In chapter 35, God provides for justice to those accused of a crime by instructing the Israelites to set up cities of refuge where an accused could stay safely away from his avenger until they stood trial. Much like the grace God offers us today as we gain refuge from sin through Jesus Christ.

The problem that came up in chapter 36 is that no inheritance in Israel was to be passed from one tribe to another (v. 7). What should be done with the land of a man who dies with daughters who later get married. Such was the case with Zelophehad who had several daughters but no sons. Moses solves this by telling them that the daughters could marry anyone they please as long as they marry within their father’s tribal clan.

The book of Numbers is a documentation of the 39 years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land. From this study are lessons learned and there are actions we can take to help us as we step ahead along the journey. We can take lessons from the Word, life lessons, experiences along the journey, and then then pass them on to future generations.

Organization is in life is so important as we document lessons learned. Earlier this year, the great basketball player Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash. In one of his interviews, he emphasized that it’s important to share with the younger generation what works and what doesn’t work so that they can journey through life attempting layups rather than long shots.

One way to organize these lessons learned is to keep a journal of the journey. God’s purpose is superior. Journal all His remarkable happenings so they give lessons that build up, energize, and can be utilized for effectiveness throughout life.

As Moses led the people out of Egypt, God guided them by a cloud much like the guidance of the Spirit. Today we have a chance to engraft the lessons of the Bible in our heart along with the experiences of life. We can take them, mix them with prayer, and step ahead to victory.

Lord, your truths are superior. The best way is Your way and the text book to the course of wisdom is the Bible. We pray today for good decisions as we take in the lessons found in the Bible, listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to us deep in our hearts, and document the experiences we go through on this journey. Help us to keep things simple, get out of the way, and let You set things up for the amazing to be accomplished. Amen.