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

Truth and Power

Posted on July 1, 2019 by Mark Shields

The relationship of Paul and Timothy as described in 1 Timothy 1:1-17 is like a father to a son. Paul left him at Ephesus to contend with the false teachers who were deceptive and had their own interest in mind.

The content of the false teachers were myths and endless genealogies which only promoted controversial speculations rather than the advancement of God’s work. Ephesus was known as the place that worshiped the love-goddess Artemis and the people were being taught a false doctrine that produced spiritual sickness instead of the TRUTH that produces spiritual health.

The TRUTH from the law is to provide direction for life. It’s there for rebels, the ungodly, immoral, and even murderers. Paul had persecuted and even murdered Christians in his past but because of a relationship with Jesus, received the power to change.

Love is produced from a pure heart that is filled with faith and wants others to succeed. The aim is to help people by caring for them, encouraging, and teaching so they don’t have to learn the hard way. Just like Paul, humility and gratitude should mark our lives as we all need grace to be transformed into the likeness of Christ.

This day with You Lord, every detail of our life is known by You yet we are loved so much that You sent Your Son to die for us. Your thoughts about us are not on our past but only our potential for the future. You can use each of us to care for others, encourage, and teach them so they don’t have to learn the hard way. Amen

Posted in Bible Study, Love | Tagged Bible Study, Christ, Faith, Hope, Love, Prayer, Truth | 1 Comment

Spiritual Weapons

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God, the war we fight is a spiritual war and the weapons we use are spiritual weapons like faith, hope, and love. With these weapons, every negative thought is taken captive so more are ready to be brought to Christ and the enemy no longer has control.

Step Ahead

Undoing the negative
Thoughts that decimate
Like unbelief,
Despair and hate.

For evil has no control
On the journey
From here to there
Since Christ died for me.

There are spiritual
Weapons like love,
Hope, the sword of faith,
And power from above.

An army of angels
Will keep me learnin’
And just a click away
An inspiring sermon.

A mighty resource
From my iPhone
So I’m never
Ever alone.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 06-13-2019

To get the free app, look for First Waco in the App Store or on Google Play.

View original post

Posted in Poems | Tagged Faith, Holy Spirit, Hope, Love, Poetry, Prayer, Purpose, Sermon | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Timothy

Posted on June 26, 2019 by Mark Shields

We live in a very busy world with busy schedules so this devotional blog has been created to help with regular Bible reading and study even in the midst of these busy times. Here is a link to “Questions for Reflection” to help 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

Anyone can join in as we journey together. The concepts presented in God’s Perfect Timing offer ideas for using time wisely.

The lessons of God’s Plan for Us offers a plan to 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 1 Timothy 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

1 Timothy 1:1-17
Why did Paul leave Timothy at Ephesus? What is the threefold origin of love? What is the purpose of the law? How is Paul’s life an example for us in being patient in our Christian walk?

1 Timothy 1:18 through 2:7
To what extent are faith and a good conscience related in your life (See verse 1:5)? How do they contribute toward your waging a good warfare? What does God desire from us? How is access to God possible?

1 Timothy 2:8-15
What are the actions and attitudes of acceptable prayer? What does Paul say should adorn a woman? What are the adjectives and adverbs used in this passage? Is this principle of a woman’s status peculiar to Paul’s time or generally applicable today?

1 Timothy 3:1-13
What negative characteristics should you eliminate from your life? What positive ones should you cultivate? How can you eliminate the negatives and gain the positives?

1 Timothy 3:14 through 4:5
How does Paul relate the practical arrangements of the church to the meaning and purpose of the church? What is the core or great mystery of Christianity? What is needed for faith to truly take hold and make a difference in your life?

1 Timothy 4:6-16
What will be Timothy’s defense against false teaching? What should be the aim and result of your Bible study and living today? In what ways will your life be an example for others to follow today? What gifts has God given you? How can you use these gifts to help yourself and others today?

1 Timothy 5:1-16
What practical advice does Paul give for helping widows and elders? What three basic principles does Paul use to meet this problem? Are there things you can do for a family member? Is there a neighbor near you that could use an act of kindness?

1 Timothy 5:17 through 6:2
What four dangers is Timothy urged to guard against within a church? What are you doing to help your church, organization, or neighborhood be a positive influence on your community? Considering 6:1-2, what should be your attitude toward your employer?

1 Timothy 6
What are the characteristics of false teachers? How does the Christian’s aim and motive differ from theirs? How important is your daily study of Scripture to know sound doctrine?

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

From Sorrow to a Brighter Tomorrow

Posted on June 25, 2019 by Mark Shields

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
My God will hear me. – Micah 7:7

Israel was in miserable condition as pointed out in the post “Our Hope”. But we know today that the situation for Israel and for the whole world would go from sorrow to a brighter tomorrow.

Our attitude should be of hope in time of difficulty because when things are at their worst, the change process starts and the old ways are wiped clean so that the new improved ones can develop.

Don’t be shaken and put your hope in the Lord. Find peace for the soul while waiting patiently and sing to the Lord songs like My Hope is in You by Aaron Shust.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Hope | Tagged Devotional, Faith, Future, Hope, Love, Music, Peace, Praise | 2 Comments

Our Hope

Posted on June 24, 2019 by Mark Shields

As explained in Micah 7, the world was in an unhealthy spiritual condition. The rulers demanded gifts, judges accepted bribes, and corruption was like an out of control cancer. It was so bad, people could put no trust in human relationships. Sons and daughters rebelled against parents, spouses fought against each other, and neighbors turned against each other.

Even in this time of rampant sin, Micah’s attitude towards his relationship with God was one of hope. He believed that God would bring the world out of the darkness and into the light. We now know that what Micah believed in would come about in God’s Plan through Jesus Christ.

Every Christmas Eve, my church has a candlelight service. Below is a photo captured while each person holds a lighted candle in their hand representing the light of Christ!

Our growing faith is never depleted because each time we share the gospel message, the light of Christ shines brighter.

Our hope today is in Christ whose pardon erases guilt. We are thankful that His power changes our attitude from negative to positive. Your purpose on the Cross transforms our sorrows into brighter tomorrows. Today Lord we have no fear because of our trust in Your protection. Your promise is to provide for our needs and believe You will secure daily victories. Amen.