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

Boarding Pass

Posted on January 24, 2020 by Mark Shields

This poem is inspired by 2 Timothy 2:14-26 from the Bible. As we sail away on our voyage of life, we want to make sure we get the boarding pass to a vessel that is proven, leads us to where we want to go, and has the Captain who sees the obstacles ahead.

Step Ahead

Secular culture
Stirs up the drama
Always pointing out
All of the trauma.

Look at the news,
Go to a movie,
Listen to music,
And all is gloomy.

The challenge we face
Is to fill our thoughts
With things that give hope
Not tie us in knots.

So when sailing away
On this voyage of life
Use the boarding pass
That takes away strife.

By getting on board
Through amazing grace
With the destination
Of His embrace.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-19-2019
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – 2 Timothy 2:14-26”

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Destination, Faith, Grace, Hope, Love, Optimism, Peace, Poetry, Wisdom | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of Hebrews 3 – 6

Posted on January 22, 2020 by Mark Shields

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

You were wonderfully made and as the post “Being True to the Best in You” points out, the power of God is inside. By accepting Christ as Savior, you can be all that God made you to be.

Some thoughts and ideas were shared in the post “Come in the Glory of the Father” about the purpose for angels. Angels speak life and bind one to Christ as the intermediary between God and humanity.

The world is full of worthless things but as pointed out in the post “The Way of Truth”, our destiny is recovered by Christ if we accept the invitation of His leadership, help, and forgiveness.

The post “Finish the Race as Champion” explains how our relationship to Christ affects our daily living. Jesus blazed a trail to victory for you and me. There is no need to make things harder than they ought to be but simply accept the victory provided by the ONE who destroyed even death and gave us liberty for our destiny.

As explained in the post “Rock Solid Over Time”, Christ leads us by example to inspire us to overcome obstacles we face. We can courageously step ahead on solid ground to do more than ever imagined because the things that cause harm to us no longer have power over us.

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 next few posts, 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

Hebrews 3:1-6
How does this passage build on what the readers know of Judaism? Which characteristics of Christ as high priest is most prominently set out in these verses? What steps can you take to make sure your actions reveal a high view of Jesus?

Hebrews 3:7-19
Determine the meaning of God’s rest for the children of Israel (See Numbers 14)? What causes hardness of heart? What can you do to prevent hardness of heart? Whom should you exhort (v. 13) today? How do you respond to exhortation from others?

Hebrews 4:1-13
How should we respond to the Good News? Upon what basis can we enter God’s rest? Why can’t you fool God about your attitude toward Him?

Hebrews 4:14 through 5:1-14
What is the basic problem of the Hebrews? To what extent is this your problem? What can you do today to change? What are the qualifications for a priest? How is obedience related to suffering in your life?

Hebrews 6:1-8
What are the characteristics of being enlightened? How does the illustration from nature substantiate the “impossibility”? Can the saved lose their salvation?

Hebrews 6:9-20
What is God’s promise to Abraham (See Gen. 22:15-18)? What are the two metaphors used for hope? To what extent should these metaphors offer encouragement? How does the position of Jesus as high priest present to us the reality of our hope?

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. <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 | 2 Comments

Living Out Our Purpose with Courage

Posted on January 21, 2020 by Mark Shields

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I will praise His Word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? – Psalm 56:3-4

The post “Rock Solid Over Time” explained that Christ leads us by example to inspire us to overcome obstacles we face. We can courageously step ahead on solid ground to do more than ever imagined because the things that cause harm to us no longer have power over us.

In love, we can be a courageous hero in making known the Truth to others. We can point them to songs like Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns which explains that Jesus is the voice of Truth providing us with the guidance and direction to live out our purpose with courage.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Courage, Devotionals | Tagged Courage, Devotional, Faith, Grace, Love, Music, Praise, Purpose, Video | Leave a comment

Rock Solid Over Time

Posted on January 20, 2020 by Mark Shields

God is like a mountain standing rock solid over time and protecting us in our time of need. We can take courage, for God is there for us. Today, we continue to take a look at His word in Hebrews 2:14-18 as we seek guidance in how we should live out our purpose. A few questions to stir up our thoughts are why did Christ become a man and why did He have to suffer and die on the cross?

In reading today’s passage, we come to the conclusion that Christ became a man so He could identify with humanity and be able to help those who are tempted because He was tempted. By His sacrifice, he breaks the power of the devil who held control over death (v. 14).

We can take courage because we are free from bondage, fear, and death. We can step ahead in faith to do more than ever imagined because the things that cause harm to us no longer have power over us. In love, we can offer grace and be a courageous hero in making known the Truth to others.

Christ leads us by example and this inspires us to be anchored to His way as believers who are empowered to face the storms of life so we can live out our purpose with courage. We can take on our fears head on by facing them one by one with patience because His mystery will work things out in His precious time.

This day with You Lord, we come to You in prayer believing in Your power and guidance. We are empowered to be bold enough so we get out there even under stress or facing those who are against us. We can count on You even when afraid, discouraged, or tempted. We are confident that we can make an impact because the indwelling Spirit is stirring in us a courageous vision for making what we once thought impossible, possible! Amen

Posted in Bible Study, Courage | Tagged Bible Study, Courage, Faith, Grace, Love, Prayer, Purpose | Leave a comment

Go the Distance

Posted on January 17, 2020 by Mark Shields

This poem is inspired by 2 Timothy 1 – 2 from the Bible. Paul endures because of his desire to get the message out about Christ and do all the good he could. This day with God, let us have this same desire to go the extra mile and help get the work done.

Step Ahead