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

Finding Solutions

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Mark Shields

After reading Exodus 6, we can see that God is actively involved in history and has a plan. He tells Moses to deliver a message to the Israelites who were being held as slaves by the king of Egypt. God told Moses to explain to them that they would be freed from slavery and be brought to the Promised Land.

The Israelites did not listen to Moses because they were so discouraged and because of the harsh labor Pharaoh had demanded from them. Since even the Israelites would not listen to Moses, he felt in a hopeless situation.

When confronted with a hopeless situation, our tendency is to quit but the best action is to look for a solution. This day with You Lord, we may face situations that seem hopeless. We ask that our attitude be one that looks to You for solutions. We ask that we tune into Your Word, interpret the message, and apply the lessons learned as solutions to life’s difficulties. In Jesus name. Amen!

Image Source

Posted in Bible Study, Overcome Difficulty | Tagged God, History, Hope, Jesus, Life, Plan, Promised Land | 1 Comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of Exodus 6-10

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Mark Shields

As we read about Abraham’s descendants who were exiles in Egypt, they had plenty to fear from human authority but what we learn is that If you run into a situation between fearing God and fearing human authority, give allegiance to God because with Him are advantages and resources that no human authority can provide.

Moses was born at a time when the Pharaoh demanded all new born Hebrew boys be killed. Reading in Exodus 2, his mother put him in a basket where he floated down the river until Pharaoh’s daughter found the basket with Moses in it. So Moses was raised within the palace as the son of the princes.

After many years living the life of a prince and after many years living in exile, he then comes to the point of fulfilling the main purpose God had for his life. The lesson of the life of Moses is that if facing adversity, be patient because with God on your side, adversity can enrich the world more than privilege. We cannot fail with God on our side.

Moses faced doubts because he didn’t feel qualified and continued to give excuses for not wanting to do God’s work. We all have doubts but we must believe that God will provide and our job is to carry out His instructions. Things can be frustrating but the thing to do is be patient and keep going. Remember God is working the plan. Go to Him for assurance and support when you’re pressured with problems or criticisms.

As the journey continues, I will be studying and sharing from Exodus 6-10. The mission of this blog is to bring out ways to apply God’s Word in our life at work, at home, and within our neighborhoods. The questions for reflection for the study of Exodus 6-10 below will help bring out some thoughts and ideas over the next two weeks.

Exodus 6
What difference does knowing that God is actively involved in history and knowing something of His overall plan make in your attitude toward life? In view of their hopeless situation in verse 12, why don’t Moses and Aaron quit? When confronted with a hopeless situation, is your tendency to quit or to look for a solution?

Exodus 7
How does God answer Moses’ despairing plea? What is the underlying reason for the plagues? How is your obedience or disobedience contingent on your view of God?

Exodus 8
Though the magicians imitate Moses and Aaron, where does Pharaoh turn for relief? Am I living in obedience to God’s Word? Recall situations in which you needed advice. Where did the best advice come from?

Exodus 9
Distinguish the twofold purpose of God in sending these catastrophes. On what basis is the plague of hail “selective”? For what reason is the plague stopped? What is the danger to you in not listening to God? What qualities of Pharaoh are revealed by his actions in this passage?

Exodus 10
How does the ninth plague affront the Egyptian sun god Ra? How many opportunities has God given Pharaoh to repent? Considering this what is different about the last catastrophe?

The above reading plan 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.

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. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
Image Source

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Questions for Reflection | Tagged Bible, Blog, God’s Word, Inspiration, Internet, Life, Mission, Photos, Purpose, Videos | Leave a comment

Divine Sign

Posted on April 9, 2016 by Mark Shields

Studying in Genesis 48, Jacob was ill but rallied his strength when Joseph and his sons came to visit. Grandchildren are a blessing and many parents have pictures of the grandkids who give hope for generations of the future.

As we experience our world today, there may be pictures that provide inspiration and hope for you. Here is a photo along with a poem that I hope will bless you today.

Step Ahead

If hopes are dashed
By issues of many kinds,
Look for a sign
From the One Divine.

His plans do not always fit
What many have outlined
But His ways are superior
To the ways of mankind.

So trust His guidance;
Believe He’s near.
Think of better days
So negatives disappear.

Days in which all are blessed
With great opportunity
And inspiring messages
Create feelings of unity.

Storing up great memories
That will last forever
To help with worry,
Anger or whatever.

Let us reminisce
About a good time
Or a favorite song
From our prime.

Filling our thoughts
With peace and enjoyment.
Thinking of times
Of no disappointment.

Passing along advice
To future generations.
Sharing amazing pictures
And good vibrations.

View original post

Posted in Devotionals, Poems | Tagged Blessing, Divine, Future, God, Hope, Joy, Memories, Obedience, Peace, Pictures, Purpose, Trust, Unity | Leave a comment

Never Lose Your Way

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Mark Shields

Worship Service A new sermon series titled “Never-Never Land” was presented last weekend at the church I worship at. The message brought to us was “Never Lose Your Way”. Here is a link to the Sermon Podcast.

Shared this past week were some points brought out in Psalm 25. Like David who was going through difficulty, when we go through difficult times, we need to know where to start, ask for the light, and trust in God to get us through. David wanted to be set in God’s way and we should too. Let us always do God’s will, remain in His Word, trust in His way, and pray for His wisdom.

To see the Podcast live around 9:30 each Sunday morning, just click on the button titled live on the right side. Also, you can watch past worship services at any time or place thereafter by clicking the button next to the title of each sermon.

Posted in Sermon Thoughts, Worship | Tagged Challenge, Christ, Faith, God, Holy Spirit, Life, Overcomer, Podcast, Pray, Sermon, Trust, Worship | 1 Comment

Focus On the Possibilities

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Mark Shields

Things can be frustrating but the thing to do is be patient and keep going. Remember God is working the plan. Go to Him for assurance and support when you’re pressured with problems or criticisms.

Believe this day with God will be amazing because of your faith in the possibilities He gives. Persistence like a stream of water eventually cuts into a rock and if we remain persistent at focusing on the possibilities God gives, we can cut into and go through any obstacle in our way. Take inspiration from this video: Everything I Need – Kutless.