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

Fulfilling Our Purpose

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Mark Shields

The Lord had given great success to Joshua in conquering the land that was promised to the Israelites after Moses led them out of Egypt. In chapter 12, listed are the kings Joshua and the Israelites conquered. Reading in Joshua 13, the Lord tells Joshua that there is more item of work to be done.

The major challenge we all face is being able to balance everything so we can fulfill our purpose in life. Therefore, there is a great need to study our priorities; go after first what is most important and then like the domino effect, items on the task list start to fall one after another.

Such was the case with the cities and land that Joshua conquered. Then Joshua came to the point in life when he pivots from conquest to settling in. His credibility would be tested as he tries to complete the purpose God had given him.

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This day with You Lord, an amazing future is available because of who You are and who we are; an important name in history – one of Your children. May we all find and fulfill the purpose You have for each of us so that Your will is done. Amen

Posted in Bible Study, Purpose | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Future, Prayer, Priorities, Purpose, Tasks | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of Joshua 13-24

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Mark Shields

The journey through the Bible has taken me past the first twelve chapters of the book of Joshua. God chose Joshua to take over from Moses as the one responsible for leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. It seemed like an impossible challenge but with God, all things are possible and we can be all that God made us to be.

Chapters 7-12 have inspired the following poem:

Decisions
When God is with you,
everything is good
but separated,
it’s not as it should.

That’s the reason
all sin He suspends
for on the cross
He made the amends.

Victory comes when
the Lord is with you
and sets you up
with great things to do.

Consider His way
in preparing this day
for the challenges
that will come your way.

Let God be a part
of all decisions;
the ONE who approves
all the great visions.

Visions of a job,
a husband or wife;
of a family
or anything in life.

When you let God drive
wherever you go
and see Him at work,
confidence will grow.

Victories will come
as you give your best;
enthusiasm
to meet every test.

Think of a forecast;
how data is sought
to make decisions;
informed like they ought.

And how God is involved
in a future that’s bright
so keep on the path
from His great insight.

By Mark Shields – © 03-16-2017

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! At this link: God’s Plan for Us is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.

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Joshua 13
What does God point out to Joshua at the beginning of the chapter? In what ways do you evaluate your present activities in view of your purpose in life? What do you discover?

Joshua 14-15
By what method is the land divided? What was the special request of Caleb? What about Caleb’s character is revealed by his request? What do you learn from these chapters about the promises and providence of God?

Joshua 16-19
Contrast the attitude of the tribe of Joseph with the attitude of Caleb (See 14:12)? What is the people’s part to experience full possession of their in heritance? What can you learn from this principle?

Joshua 20-21
What is God continually requiring from his people? What are some ideas in how to stand up for what is excellent and righteous instead of being silent? In what past or recent situations have you experienced God’s faithfulness?

Joshua 22
What is Joshua’s primary concern for the Israelites who will be living on the other side of the Jordan? Why do the eastern tribes build an altar by the Jordan? What do the other tribes misunderstand? What can you learn from this event about your consideration for the actions of others?

Joshua 23
What is Joshua’s first reminder to the leaders of Israel? What is God’s promise to them? What are the conditions of the promise? When you are a leader, what can you do to help insure purity of character in those for whom you are responsible?

Joshua 24
What does Joshua emphasize in his review of Israel’s history in the presence of all the people? What verb is used sixteen times in this passage? After reading this passage, what is a thought about the Israelites relationship with God? What is your thought about your relationship with God?

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. <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

“Google Images.” Google Images. Web. <https://www.google.com>.

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

Posted in Bible Study, Questions for Reflection | Tagged Bible Study, Challenges, Champion, Christ, Faith, God’s Plan, Holy Spirit, Hope, Leadership, Lessons, Life, Love, Prayer, Reflection, Scripture, victory | Leave a comment

Perfect Clarity

Posted on March 28, 2017 by Mark Shields

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. – 1 Corinthians 13:12

God is involved in the movement of history just as was shared in the post “Obedient and Persistent”. Keeping track of history gives us insight into what could happen in the future and in turn, help us to make informed decisions for today.

Historical data helps us predict the weather. Of course, being able to predict the weather in Texas is not that easy. Our county fair in Waco is in October and some years it can be freezing and other years, it can be sunny and in the low nineties with everyone wearing shorts.

Even though the future can be hard to predict, the Good News for us is that God knows what we need and like the song Good, Good Father – Chris Tomlin, He is perfect in all His ways to us.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Accurate Thinking, Devotionals | Tagged Bible Study, Clarity, Confidence, Courage, Decisions, Devotional, Future, Obedience, Peace, Prayer, Predictions, victory | Leave a comment

Obedient and Persistent

Posted on March 27, 2017 by Mark Shields

Joshua was obedient to God and defeated the kings of the south as we have read previously. As we read now in Joshua 11-12, Joshua continues to be obedient. Even though the kings of the north joined together to go against Joshua and his army, God provided victory again. The underlying demand from God is to be courageous and never give up.

God played a part and the Israelites played a part in the victory. The part from God was the instruction in what to do and in setting circumstances up for success for the Israelites. He gave them confidence and peace of mind that allowed them to simply carry out the tasks before them. The Israelites also played their part as they were obedient. It took persistence because conquering the land God had promised them took seven years.

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This day with You Lord, help us to be obedient. Help us to be fearless in the face of our challenges. We will also need persistence to win our battles. We will continue to come to You because You are the ONE with the answers. You know what we need even before we do and You are perfect in all of Your ways. Amen.

Posted in Accurate Thinking, Bible Study | Tagged Bible Study, Confidence, Courage, Devotional, Obedience, Peace, Prayer, victory | Leave a comment

Giving it Your Best Shot

Posted on March 24, 2017 by Mark Shields

In college basketball, both the men and women are playing for the chance to play in the final four. The poem below is about turning it up a notch when your team needs it the most. It’s the same in life as we provide something of significance to others. This weekend, give it your best shot and make a difference in the life of others!

Step Ahead