The Servant of Christ Jesus

Posted on August 29, 2017 by Mark Shields

Reading in Romans 1:1-7, Paul introduces himself as a servant of Christ Jesus. He had never been to Rome as he writes this letter while in Corinth on his third missionary journey. He also introduces himself as an apostle; someone sent by authority who had seen Christ on the road to Damascus.

Paul saw himself as someone who could enthusiastically tell the Good News that Christ died for all. Paul’s special commission was to take the Gospel message to the Gentiles and this is why he was planning to go to Rome (v. 5).

Paul gives the church at Rome some facts about the Gospel; that it was promised from the beginning, that Christ died for our sins on the Cross, and that all who believe in Christ as the Son of God receive eternal life. Thriving in faith can be straightforward if we simply trust, obey, and follow Jesus.

Not only is the future bright for believers but the present is bright too. Faith gained today will pull us through tomorrow so we can step ahead in the weeks ahead. Then each week takes us to a higher place and each month gets us to a higher level of devotion.

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This day with You God, help us to obediently respond to the facts of the Gospel by telling our stories of faith. Lord … our faith originated from You and gives us power through the Holy Spirit. As a believer, this power resides in our soul and we are thankful. Amen!

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Romans 1-2

Posted on August 28, 2017 by Mark Shields

I want to take this time to thank all of you my readers. I’ve found this blog to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are keeping 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.

So far this year, the journey through God’s Word has been through the book of Acts 1-12 and then through the entire book of Exodus. As the journey continues, I will turn to the book of Romans. Paul writes the letter of Romans to the church at Rome while in Corinth on his third missionary journey. Within this letter is a detailed explanation of the Gospel.

The mission of this blog is to bring out ways to better apply God’s Word in our life at work, at home, and within our neighborhoods. The questions for reflection for the study of Romans 1-2 below will help bring out some thoughts and ideas over the next few weeks.

The Lord speaks to us in various ways – visions, dreams, and life’s circumstances; even advice from others. Most of all, God speaks through the Bible. Thus, the main purpose of this blog is to study His Word with the intent to gain wisdom that we may apply in our own lives and also help others along the journey.

The reading plan below will be used as I share over 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 Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing!

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Questions for Reflection
Romans 1:1-7
In what way does Paul introduce himself? What facts about the Gospel does Paul give? How can you respond to these facts and fulfill your call as a witness?

Romans 1:8-15
Describe Paul’s attitude toward the Roman Christians. For what reason does he want to visit them? What is the content of his prayers about them? What Christian can you pray for in this way?

Romans 1:16-17
What are the facts about the gospel (See vv. 1-6, 15)? Why is it powerful? How is its power released? What is different about living by faith?

Romans 1:18-23
How are God’s righteousness (v. 17) and His wrath (v. 18) related? What actions of man prompt God’s wrath? To what extent are you honoring God as God and being thankful?

Romans 1:24-32
How is God’s repeated action (vv. 24, 26, 28) related to the expression of wrath in verse 18? How does a society react to being given up? What are the sins listed in verses 29-31? From what do all these sins stem (See verses 21, 25, 28, 32)?

Romans 2:1-11
Of what does Paul accuse the Jews who have the revelation of God’s law? What should be the response to God’s kindness and patience? What changes do you need to make in your life in view of the basis of judgment?

Romans 2:12-16
Further describe God’s judgment (v. 1-11). On what basis will God judge the Jews who have the law? How will He judge the Gentiles who have no written law? Where is the law for the Gentiles?

Romans 2:17-29
For what reasons do the Jews compliment themselves? What will give meaning to your outward religious performance? Whose praise do you seek? What will get you to heaven?

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.  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/>.
“Google Images.” Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=8IipWNPmOoPBmwHIpZ2ACQ&ved=0EKouCBcoAQ>.
“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.
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Highway to Heaven

Posted on August 25, 2017 by Mark Shields

This poem was written to inspire kindness. This day with God, use kind words to encourage and share with others so all obstacles to God’s way are removed. Do this out of true concern for their future.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Concerned for the future,
Aiming for the best.
Helping each other
To pass each test.

Working together
To make good happen.
Offering God’s Way
With such a passion.

Removing all obstacles,
Staying on the path.
Accepting grace,
Never the wrath.

Using kind words,
Sharing a thought.
Uplifting each other
Is always sought.

In God’s eyes
You are essential.
He believes in you;
Your great potential.

By Mark Shields – © 08-24-2017
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Committed to Following Christ

Posted on August 24, 2017 by Mark Shields

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. – John 15:7-8

As posted in “Order and Patience” about the tent of meeting, the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day and a fire was in the cloud by night. When the cloud lifted, they knew to set out on their travels so it was like the Holy Spirit guiding the Israelites.

Today, this power known as the Holy Spirit is given to all that have committed to following Christ. Take inspiration from the song Lead Me to the Cross – Hillsong as you set out on your journey today.


Index of devotionals

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Order and Patience

Posted on August 23, 2017 by Mark Shields

Moses inspected the construction of the tabernacle and saw that the Israelites had done just as the Lord had commanded. In Exodus 40, the Lord told Moses to “Set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, on the first day of the first month (v. 1)”. Then the Lord gave Moses other instructions before using the tabernacle for worship.

So the tabernacle was erected and then Moses was guided by God in the arranging of the tabernacle furnishings along with anointing of the holy things. Moses did exactly as God commanded him in assembling the tabernacle but it took time to carry out the long list of tasks to complete. Then on the first day of the first month in the second year the tabernacle was completely set up (v. 17).

Then a cloud covered the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle (v. 34). The cloud was like the Holy Spirit guiding the Israelites as they traveled. When the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out. The cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day and fire was in the cloud by night (v. 38).

Our lives should be characterized by order and patience as demonstrated in today’s passage. There is freedom in obeying God’s way because God cares for us more than we care for ourselves. So look to the Lord for guidance because He understands what we need and what needs to be done.

This day with You Lord, we look to Your Word and pray for direction for the rest of this day. We strive for good habits like planting Your Word in our hearts, studying, and obeying. We pray that we build our life with orderliness and patience similar to how the tabernacle was built. We praise You for this day and the instructions You give as we set out to give You glory. Amen!

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