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

Detailed Instructions

Posted on July 25, 2017 by Mark Shields

Within Exodus 29:1-37 are detailed instructions for the offerings to be made as sacrifice to consecrate the priests. A young bull and two rams without blemish were to be sacrificed as a sin offering. Also, loaves of bread of wheat flour with olive oil mixed in were made as an offering. There was certain clothing to be worn and specific instructions as the ceremony was carried out.

Aaron and his sons identified with each offering by laying their hands on them. By offering sacrifices, people could then approach God. Today, we identify with Christ as our sin offering and the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Since Christ came and died on the Cross, we have a direct relationship with God by accepting Christ into our life; taking note of His teachings and applying them in how we live.

By reading God’s Word, we get specific instructions in how to live. When we pray or worship, our attitude should be of reverence and obedience toward God. God’s principles never change. A daily devotional time using a devotional like “This Day with God” internalizes His guiding principles and can become an instrument which pushes us to focus on Him in every activity throughout our day.

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This day You Lord, help us to stay focused on Your presence. Lord, we know that You speak in various ways – visions, dreams, and life’s circumstances; even ideas from others. Most of all, You speak through the Bible. We expect Your presence all the time since You can be present in the things we read, the experiences we go through, or the people we meet. Lord, Your are not distant but near. We can click on the Internet through our computer or phone and be reminded of Your amazing truths. We are thankful for Your presence throughout this day. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Focus | Tagged Bible Study, Cross, Devotional, Instructions, Prayer, Sacrifice, Teachings, Worship | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of Exodus 29-33

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Mark Shields

Within the study of Exodus 25-28, noted was the building of the Tabernacle and how many materials and how much workmanship was required. We should seek to build our lives with the same initiative and passion. Because of Christ, we are each God’s Temple and His Spirit dwells within us so before we begin our busy schedule, we should take some time to read a Bible passage, pray, and listen for directions. God wants to meet and help us build a great day.

The lampstand would be made specifically to brighten the interior just as Christ is our light today which illuminates to the world the ideal way of living. In the life of Christ, we are given specific details in how to handle situations we face. We can bring glory to God by following these specific details instructed by Christ our model for living. Our job is to help others see the pattern for living and craft pieces to cultivate, strengthen, and nourish souls.

Just as much time went into making the inside of the Tabernacle beautiful, we need to spend more time cultivating internal beauty rather than external attractiveness. We can be the link that connects the power of God to people. We can get interested in them, build them up, and empower them to be a part of the solution.

The character of God is reflected in the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle. He has insight to the past, present, and future to provide what we need to build for the future. His instructions are perfect and all we need to do is follow His plan.

Mentioned in the study of Exodus 28 were the skilled people that made the priestly garments. God has given each of us talents and abilities to serve others. The challenge for us is to discover our specific talent or ability and be thankful.

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

Exodus 29:1-37
How have you identified with Christ as your sin offering? When you pray or worship, what should be your attitude as you come to God?

Exodus 29:38 through 30:38
What is the purpose of the tent of meeting? How is it sanctified? What is God’s promise to Israel and their anticipated response? In what way does God dwell among us? For what was the census tax to be used?

Exodus 31
Who does God choose to do His work? What added significance is given to the Sabbath (See 20:8-11)? What characteristics in your life reflect God’s creative activity and uniquely distinguishes you as one set apart by the Lord?

Exodus 32:1-14
How long is Moses away? How do you respond when God’s actions seemed delayed? What are some ideas you can try when tempted to worship idols rather than the ONE true God?

Exodus 32:15-35
What qualities of leadership do you observe in Moses? What is the attitude of Moses when he went to the Lord to talk about the people worshiping the golden calf? Moses pleads to God for mercy on the people and what is God’s answer to Moses?

Exodus 33
What is Moses’ regular habit? Who goes with him? What evidences that he actually meets God there? What kind of relationship exist between Moses and God? What steps will you take towards creating a friendship 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. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Feb. 2017. <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Feb. 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/>.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, 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

Unseen Power

Posted on July 21, 2017 by Mark Shields

Set your sights beyond what you can see. Be determined and know that Christ has paid the price, giving you an unseen power which cannot be measured or weighed but can tell you the right things to do. This day, I hope this poem will inspire the thought that God is bigger than any difficulty we face because accepting Christ connects us to the power of the Holy Spirit.

Step Ahead

Facing constant doubt
Or fear all the time
There is a power
To start a new climb.

The power connection
Of the Holy Spirit
Strengthened in faith
To be fearless.

Connected to the
Greatest power ever
To help with struggle
Of any endeavor.

Set your sights beyond
What you can see
Being determined
With an unseen power

A power not confined
Or ever subdued
And telling you
The right things to do.

By Mark Shields – © 07-20-2017
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Posted in Poems | Tagged Faith, Good News, Holy Spirit, Poetry, Power, Prayer, Strength | Leave a comment

My Strength and My Song

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Mark Shields

The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. – Psalm 118:14

In the post “Use Your God Given Talent”, mentioned were the skilled people that made the priestly garments. God has given each of us talents and abilities to serve others. The challenge for us is to discover our specific talent or ability and be thankful.

Sometimes when an athlete makes a good play like a touchdown or hits a homerun, they point to the sky; humbly pointing out that it was power from up above that made it happen.

In whatever we do today, let us also do amazing things by using abilities and skills from God to serve others. It may be to inspire others just like a great athlete or singer. It may be in our job or in how we serve others. Here is an inspiring video as we step ahead: There is Power by Lincoln Brewster.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Music | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Holy Spirit, Inspiration, Memorial, Music, Praise, Strength, Talent, Wisdom, Worship | Leave a comment

Use Your God Given Talent

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Mark Shields

Aaron and his sons would serve God as priests and oversee the operations of the tabernacle. Aaron would be the High Priest of Israel who was to be in charge of all the other priests. They would help the people in worship and in their relationship with God.

As described in Exodus 28, the priests would wear sacred garments made by skilled workers who God had given wisdom and special ability in such matters. An ephod would be made which would have two onyx stones with engraved names of the sons of Israel as a memorial. A breastplate for the purpose of decision making would be worn over the High Priest’s heart made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen.

Secular thought believes wisdom and ability comes more from a person’s own work or learning rather than from God. In this passage, the facts tell us that God gives wisdom, ability, and power. Each of us can go to Him in prayer which is the greatest power ever and get help from the ONE who has the answer to every problem.

This day with You Lord, we believe You have given each of us wisdom and a specific ability that serves others. Give us insight into discovering what it is and be thankful to You for being the source of our ability. Fill us with Your Spirit as we use our talents and abilities for Your glory.

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