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

The Law and the Fall

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Mark Shields

There is a paradox that Paul expresses within the passage Romans 7:14-25. He tells us that he wants to act a certain way but ends up doing the opposite. Paul points out two spiritual laws at work in verses 21-24. There is the law of God that is holy, just, and good. Then there is the opposite law that Paul calls the law of sin which the human race is under because of Adam’s fall in the garden.

Even though there was the fall in the garden and there is always an internal spiritual war inside our soul just like Paul writes about in today’s passage between good and evil, we can have hope for the future because of what Jesus Christ has done on the Cross.

We can be optimistic because one thing is for sure and creates true joy for the future and that is by accepting Christ as Savior, things only get better. The negative past is washed away, the joy of the present is highlighted, and the future is brighter each and every day.

At times, we may feel like a round peg trying to fit into a square hole but fortunately, Jesus died on the Cross to smooth out the edges so that the law of God can reign in our life. With Christ, we are prepared for this world, can make an impact, and then are assured of fitting in to our forever home with Him.

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This day with You Lord, we pray to trust You more with all our heart. Your Word is the truth that cleans our past and sets a new path to a glorious future. Free our minds from the negatives of this world so that we can better serve You. There will be good times and bad times but in all times, You will be there with us because of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Optimism | Tagged Bible Study, Cross, Devotional, Faith, Hope, Joy, Optimism, Prayer, Savior, Soul | Leave a comment

Directions for Our Steps

Posted on October 31, 2017 by Mark Shields

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. – Proverbs 16:9

Pointed out in the post “The Purpose for the Law”, salvation and sanctification are not obtained by keeping a list of rules but in knowing Christ. The law reveals right and wrong, initiating accurate thinking and self-discipline for the purpose of obtaining the intangible qualities of Christ.

Without God’s principles and the example given to us in Christ, we wouldn’t have much. Like this song points out Me Without You – TobyMac, we have all we need to become a champion for God.

Since we have a plan to direct our steps today, let us believe that we have a better shot at getting things done. Let us believe that things will fall in place and we will end up getting a lot more done than we ever thought we could.

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Posted in Devotionals, Purpose | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Faith, Integrity, Praise, Purpose, Salvation, Self Discipline | 3 Comments

The Purpose for the Law

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Mark Shields

In Romans 7:7-13, Paul explains that the law and sin are not identical. The law only points out sin and does not cause the sin. Although they are somewhat related because human nature is to want and do what one should not. By itself, the law is holy and righteous but our nature causes us to react in a negative way towards prohibitions.

A person must work harder to accept the law rather than reject it. Holy living on the other hand requires work. It takes discipline to have faith, integrity and good judgment. On the other hand, fear, laziness, and negative thought happens without any effort.

This passage points out that trying to keep rules does not attain holy living. The more rules we have, the more ways there will be to get around the rules. Salvation and sanctification are not obtained by keeping a list of rules but in knowing Christ. Knowing how He lived shows us how to live out our lives in our family, at work, or whatever we do.

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This day with You Lord, by following Your plan for us, we are bound by a common purpose, we stick together, and stay the course. As we have read in today’s passage, the purpose of the law is to tell us what is wrong and right. Help us to understand and to follow the example you have given us in Your Son. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Purpose | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Faith, Integrity, Prayer, Purpose, Salvation | 4 Comments

The Week Ahead

Posted on October 29, 2017 by Mark Shields

This week, we will continue the study of the book of Romans and share more thoughts.

Below are some questions for reflection.

Romans 7:7-13
* How does Paul show that the law and sin are not identical? How are they related? How does this passage show that you do not attain holy living by trying to keep rules?

Romans 7:14-25
* What paradox does Paul experience (See Gal. 5:17)? What explanation and answer does Paul find to his struggle to please God by keeping the law of God? How can we overcome and live a life that is pleasing to God?

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Believe that God has a great plan for you.

Victory starts by having a plan. By accepting God’s plan for us, all we need to do is follow and believe He will provide the power. He will give the upper hand to make what seems impossible possible.

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible*. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals | Tagged Bible Study, Christianity, Leadership, Plans, Prayer, Purpose, Quiet Time | Leave a comment

Fired Up

Posted on October 27, 2017 by Mark Shields

His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. – Jeremiah 20:9

As explained in the post “Released from the Law but Bound to Christ”, we are free from the demands of the law because Christ has given us a new Way that allows us to do some amazing things for God together.

Our past is wiped clean and there is power to fulfill our purpose for the future. I tell you what – that should get us fired up just as in this song Soul on Fire by Third Day.