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

In the Footsteps of the Savior’s Shadow

Posted on July 17, 2020 by Mark Shields

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. – 1 Peter 1:18-19

As brought out in the post “The Next Generation”, Joshua had been in the shadow of Moses since he was a young man. He had learned from Moses over the years and gained the experience needed to take over as leader of the Israelites.

It’s the same with us as we accept the invitation to follow Christ. Here’s a song about being in our leaders shadow who guides us along the journey Savior’s Shadow by Blake Shelton.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals | Tagged Devotional, Experience, Generation, Leadership, Music, Praise, Values | Leave a comment

The Next Generation

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Mark Shields

Reading in Numbers 27, plans were given for inheritance and succession of leadership for the next generation. If a man dies with no children, his inheritance was to be given to his nearest relative. As far as succession of leadership, Moses had prepared Joshua to take over.

At a young age, Joshua had been the aid to Moses. He was in the shadow of Moses learning how to be leader. He was one who explored the Promised Land and stood up for Moses and Aaron when the people were going against them. He was chosen along with Caleb to make it to the Promised Land but the other fighting men over the age of twenty at time would never make it.

Moses was coming to the end of his life and it was time to hand over the leadership to Joshua so he was commissioned in the presence of Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly as Moses laid his hands on Joshua. Moses told the people that Joshua had the authority and ability to lead them.

Learning from others and the experience we gain helps us in life to handle issues. Each of us has the chance to learn from our greatest helper the Holy Spirit as we learn from the Word, pray for the right actions, and obey the teachings of Jesus.

The photo below is of my dad on the far left along with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. The greatest resources we can hand off to future generations is our Christian values.

Lord, the journey can be burdensome but if we follow You we will get to our destination. We accept Your plan of grace, to be nourished by Your Word, and to always seek Your guidance. Just as Moses handed off leadership to Joshua, we seek ways to hand off what we learn along the journey to future generations. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, victory | Tagged Bible Study, Experience, Generation, Leadership, Photo, Prayer, Values | Leave a comment

The Steps to an Amazing Future

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Mark Shields

And the Words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. – Psalm 12:6

The post “Mining for Valuable Resources”, has thoughts about the 2^nd census taken in order to assign each tribe’s inheritance when they entered the Promised Land. Buried in this reading are valuable resources in following God’s instruction.

It teaches us to put our thoughts upon what He says and to follow the proper steps to an amazing future. Let us take inspiration from the song Lead Me by Sanctus Real.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals | Tagged Adversity, Advice, Devotional, Encouragement, enthusiasm, Guidance, Instructions, Music, Praise, Thoughts | Leave a comment

Mining for Valuable Resources

Posted on July 14, 2020 by Mark Shields

Reading in Numbers 26, another census was taken in order to assign each tribe’s inheritance when they entered the Promised Land. The tribes that had lost the most men where the ones who rebelled against the Lord. Many died in earthquakes, fires, plagues, and other adversities from the harsh living conditions in the wilderness.

Even though over 600,000 fighting men had died since taking the first census 38 years ago compared to the one recorded in today’s passage, there were still 601,730 fighting men available. This new generation had withstood the harsh living conditions and with God’s help, multiplied even in the years of difficulty through the wilderness.

Tucked into this reading are small notes of history to demonstrate that God fulfills His promises. He works in the background bringing about His long-range purposes. Today’s passage teaches us to put our thoughts upon what He says and follow the proper steps. If we do, we will flourish but if we do not follow His instructions, the consequences can be devastating.

So as we continue our journey, let us read God’s Word as though we are mining for valuable resources. Let us listen for instructions, document how to apply our faith, and be in constant prayer. The photo below was taken in Virginia City Nevada. It’s an old mining town depicted on the TV show “Bonanza” which lasted 14 years from 1959 through 1973.

Within God’s Word is silver and gold useful in providing encouragement, enthusiasm, and advice. Let us pray now and develop a game plan with God. We have faith because we will take in lessons from His Word and do the right things that will lead to success.

Lord, we need guidelines in our living and the best ones are found in the Bible. We read Your Word which has a treasure of information on how to best journey through life. You are at work for all who come to You for direction. Today, we ask for guidance in having the right priorities, for following the right instructions, and to meet adversity with a plan to overcome. Lead us into the amazing future You have prepared for us. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study | Tagged Adversity, Advice, Bible Study, Encouragement, enthusiasm, Guidance, Instructions, Prayer, Thoughts | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of Numbers 26-32

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, we’ve shared some thoughts and ideas from the journey through the book of Numbers.

Within the post “Refreshment for the Body and Soul”, we noted that God did something amazing through Moses and Aaron as water gushed out from a rock to supply the need for water to the people as they wandered in the desert. The only problem is that Moses and Aaron took the credit for this miracle rather than giving the credit to God.

Written about in the post “The Outcome of Faith”, was some thoughts on how the Israelites started winning their battles when they rejoiced in God for giving them the necessities of life and they praised Him. They had found a pattern for victory by gaining knowledge about their enemies, following God’s instructions for victory, and carrying out these instruction with faith.

The post “Building Integrity” points out that integrity doesn’t blow in the wind and vary to best meet our own desires. Integrity is there as a standard for us and it sets us free. Either we have it or we don’t. Our aim should be to become aware of mistakes, confess them, learn from them, and make the necessary adjustments so they do not happen again.

A take away from the post “The Future is in His Hands” is the need to be truthful when telling others what they don’t want to hear. We must speak the truth knowing that God holds the future in His hands.

Explained in “Flourish in Blessings” was the bright future for Israel because God was with them. Because of our acceptance of Christ, God is with us today and this changes momentum for our future.

In the post “Keeping Our Eyes on the ONE Who Brings the Son Shine”, brought out was that God was angry because some began to lose their focus and worship idols. Like many organizations, teams, or societies, it’s their lack of focus that has a way of causing havoc and becoming the real enemy. It’s an enemy from within.

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable in sharing about God’s word over the next few weeks. As I share about my study, 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 with God amazing!

Questions for Reflection

Numbers 26
In the second census which tribes have lost the most men? How has the number been lessened? What is the significance of the small notes of history tucked in the numbering process (See verses 9-11, 60-62, and 64-65)? How has God fulfilled His promise to the people?

Numbers 27
What is God’s provision for the inheritance of a man who had died leaving no sons? How is Joshua commissioned? What authority is he given? What is the main qualification (See 11:37-29; 14:4-10, 30)?

Numbers 28-29
What Special days require offerings? Why do you think there is such detail about offerings? What can you offer the Lord today?

Numbers 30
What privileges does the woman have in making vows? Where is the limit of these privileges? From this chapter, what is revealed about the Israelites’ concept of vows?

Numbers 31
Why are the people of Israel to avenge the Midianites (See Chap 25)? To what extent is there to be vengeance and victory? To what extent do you continually purify the area in your life which snares you most often?

Numbers 32
What is the proposition put to Moses and Eleazer by the sons of Reuben and Gad? Why does Moses hesitate? What is the promise to Moses (See Joshua 22:1-6)? How are they committed to the whole nation of Israel? How are you committed to your church and fellowship group?

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