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

Putting His Guidance into Practice

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Mark Shields

At Caesarea, there was an Army officer named Cornelius who knew about the TRUE God and put God’s guidance into practice; generously giving to those in need and praying on a regular basis (v. 2). An angel was sent by God to Cornelius as recorded in Acts 10:1-33 and the angel requested that Cornelius send two men to Joppa for the purpose of bringing Peter to Caesarea.

Joppa is coastal town near the Mediterranean Sea about 40 miles south of Caesarea. As the men sent by Cornelius were in route to Joppa, God was preparing Peter for his encounter with Cornelius. In a vision sent to Peter by God, preparations were being made to further Christ’s purpose as expressed in the scripture below:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. – Acts 1:8

The Gospel of Christ was to include Jew and Gentile. In today’s passage, God was setting up the situation for this door to be opened. Today, the whole world can know about Jesus; He has opened the door of salvation to all. Let us pray, lead others, and go through this door that has been opened.

Father God, help us today to be willing to go through this door of opportunity by putting Your guidance into practice like Cornelius and Peter did in the passage today. Prayer is our greatest power because when we talk to You, we are speaking to the ONE who already has the answers. Today will be amazing because you are with us along this journey; providing instruction and the faith to carry out Your purpose. Amen!

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Posted in Applied Faith, Bible Study | Tagged Angel, Faith, God, Guidance, Jesus, Prayer, Vision | 5 Comments

Questions for Reflection for Study of Acts 10-12

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Mark Shields

When constantly relying on God’s guidance, the challenges in life are handled victoriously on a regular bases. No matter what, if you live your life with faith, hope, and love, you come out on top because of the victory gained in Jesus Christ. Nothing can stop the Lord’s purpose so continue to give Him glory.

Over the last few weeks, we learned about the early church and how it was persecuted and scattered. History has a way of repeating itself but somehow we seem to not learn the lessons of the past. As individuals and as a nation, the plan for the future has to line up with what God has laid out. It is only when it does that we are assured of positive results. So, this day, share with others God’s Plan for Us.

Many may read the scriptures and seek the Truth but still need to be shown the Way. When they ask questions and show an interest, it’s important that we take the opportunity to share with them about Jesus. Like Phillip did in the post Focused on Opportunities to Share, listen for instructions and take the initiative to follow.

Within Acts 9:1-31 was the passage about the conversion of Saul. Christ talks to Saul on the road to Damascus and restores his sight after being blind for three days. Saul went from being a persecutor of Christians to being their strongest advocate. That’s how God works; turning what seems to be the impossible into something that is possible.

Sometimes we face challenges in life that seem overwhelming. That’s when knowing that with God, everything is possible can keep us heading in a positive direction. We can pray about the challenge, make accurate decisions, gain momentum, and meet the challenge head on.

In the post Healing Power, I wrote about Peter receiving the power through Christ to heal a paralytic man named Aeneas and bringing a disciple named Dorcas back to life. The amazing power of God was made known and many turned to the Lord.

As the journey now continues through Acts 10-12 over the next few weeks, remember that the greatest miracle of all is eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. We serve an awesome God!

I invite you to join me over the next few weeks as I step ahead using the questions below to inspire thoughts and ideas. God will give us the upper hand by producing in us the heart of a champion.

Acts 9:32-43
Why does God send an angel to Cornelius? How does God prepare Peter for his encounter with this gentile army officer? How do the events in this chapter further Christ’s purpose as expressed in Acts 1:8?

Acts 10:34-48
What difference does the vision of the unclean animals make in Peter’s personal contact with Cornelius? List the facts that Peter wants Cornelius to know about Jesus Christ. What must someone do to receive forgiveness of sin?

Acts 11:1-18
Who objects to Peter’s contact with the Gentiles? What did Peter do when confronted with the criticism? Can you discover from today’s passage a way to handle contention which can result in glorifying God?

Acts 11:19-30
How is the gospel spread? The churches at Antioch and Jerusalem aid one another. How is your church or group related to other churches or groups and how do you show love and concern for them? Think of people who have helped in your spiritual life. Could they use some prayers, encouragement, or even financial support?

Acts 12:1-19
What does Herod do to James and Peter? How does the church respond? When has an answered prayer surprised you? Do you expect God to do the things you pray for?

Acts 12:20-25
What kind of man is Herod (See Acts 12:1-19)? When you are in a position of leadership, how can you give God the glory? Does God still rule the lives of authorities? How does this affect your prayers?

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.

When we accept Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit is our companion and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. With God, we can get through anything, we can patiently grind it out during difficulties or give Him credit when the impossible is made possible. Beyond that, we can celebrate because of the victory we will always have with Him.

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
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Posted in Bible Study, Questions for Reflection | Tagged Bible Study, Christ, Church, Conversion, Glory, God’s Plan, Guidance, Healing, History, Leadership, Lessons, Prayer, Purpose, Reflection, Savior, victory | 1 Comment

Meeting Challenges Head On

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Mark Shields

These were two of the great miracles found in the Bible but the greatest miracle of all is eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. We serve an awesome God … enjoy today’s inspiring video: Awesome God by Michael W. Smith.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. – Ephesians 3:20

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Make Impossible Possible | Tagged Challenge, Church, Decisions, Disciple, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Miracles, Momentum, Prayer, Salvation | Leave a comment

Healing Power

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Mark Shields

There are two miracles recorded in Acts 9:32-43. One is a paralyzed man who is healed in Lydda and another is a woman brought back to life in Joppa. The result was that more people turned to the Lord as the power of Christ was demonstrated through Peter.

The town of Lydda is about 25 miles from Jerusalem. The church there was probably established by disciples fleeing Jerusalem after the stoning of Stephen and the brutal persecution of the followers of Christ during that time. Peter meets Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years (v. 33). After telling Aeneas to get up because Jesus Christ had healed him, Aeneas immediately got up. Peter had demonstrated to the people that anything is possible through the power God gives through Christ. Many people in that region saw the power of God and were saved.

In the other miracle, a disciple named Dorcus (In Hebrew her name is Tabitha ) became sick and died in the nearby town of Joppa. Some disciples sent two men to Lydda urging Peter to come at once. Peter came to where the dead body of Dorcus was being prepared for burial. Peter then asked everyone to leave the room. Alone with the dead body, Peter prayed, turned to the dead body of Dorcus, and asked her to get up. Through the power of God, she was brought back to life (v. 40).

This day with You Lord, we can passionately believe in what You can do. Nothing can hold us up in doing Your work and with You Lord by our side, we know that one day at a time the impossible will become possible. We pray that more will believe in You after seeing the power You provide in how we live. Amen.

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Posted in Bible Study, Make Impossible Possible | Tagged Church, Disciple, Faith, God, Jesus, Life, Miracles, Prayer | Leave a comment

Never Too Late for a Clean Slate

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Mark Shields

A Questionable deed of our past will continue to interfere with our present to wear us down and consume our thoughts but by confessing; by leaving it on the Cross and beginning a clean slate we gain momentum for victory. This poem inspires us to let go of the past and step ahead by accepting the amazing grace of God.

Step Ahead