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

Visions Bring Decisions

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Mark Shields

As explained in Genesis 46, Jacob knew that he should settle his family in Egypt because God spoke to him in a vision telling him to go to Egypt. God told Jacob He would go to Egypt with him and after a while bring him back again to Canaan. So Jacob did as God told him and set out towards Egypt along with his family.

After all the years, there is a reunion of Jacob and Joseph. Jacob was now up in years and finally comes to a point where he understands what faith is all about; praying for God’s direction on what to do and submitting to His will. Joseph had changed from an arrogant brother into a humble servant and then a loving brother willing to forgive with so much love for his father. He became second-in-command in all of Egypt and in a position to help his family survive a famine that was sweeping through the land.

God’s will is good, perfect, and acceptable. It also coincides in many cases with our own wants. We should be thankful for the chance to keep at it each day; knowing that if we keep the faith, good things will happen. Through His advice in the Bible and through our prayers, we are fortified.

This day with You God, help us to have the longing to please You. We are highly favored and as we follow Your will, we are confident that good things are coming our way. As we imagine these good things today, we give credit to You. Our confidence and optimism grows each day because You bring victory in our life through Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Posted in Bible Study, Genesis | Tagged Bible, Confidence, Faith, Forgiveness, God, Jesus Christ, Optimism, Prayer, victory, Vision | 2 Comments

He Loves Us Even When We Do Not Deserve It

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Mark Shields

Joseph had been sold into slavery many years ago because of his brother’s jealousy but his ability to interpret dreams helped him progress from slave to second-in-command in Egypt. When a famine hit the region, Joseph was prepared because God had told him in a dream that the famine would occur so Joseph had stored up provisions.

In much the same way, Jesus became a servant only to rise up as King. He loves us even when we do not deserve His love and provides for our needs. Today’s video is about this love that has been given to us: You Loved Me Anyway – Sidewalk Prophets.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

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Posted in Genesis, Love, Music, Video | Tagged Difficulties, Dream, Experiences, God, Jesus, Joseph, Kindness, Love, Patience, Perseverance, Purpose | 4 Comments

Joseph Reveals His Identity

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Mark Shields

Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers in Genesis 45. He told them not to be afraid for selling him into slavery many years ago. Joseph’s attitude of his circumstance is that God put him in his position for a purpose and that was to make sure his family survived the famine so someday they would become a great nation.

He wants his father and family to come to Egypt and live near him in the land of Goshen. There would be vast resources; the best of the land. They would be given clothing, food, and the best things of Egypt. It was a time for joyful reunion

God is responsible for all things in heaven and on earth. His sovereignty extends to all realms in the universe both physical and spiritual. Even after difficult circumstances, in his timing all things work out for our benefit. Let us remember this account of Joseph’s life as we go through difficult experiences in life.

This day with God, look back at your life and think of unhappy experiences like Joseph did and see how God allowed it to happen for your good. It may be a past job that didn’t work out or a marriage that didn’t work out. What is your attitude about the experience? Did it help you grow as a person? Was God’s hand in this experience so that it turned out better for you? Is there someone you need to forgive?

Lord, we are always given a lift by your positive affirmation through your Son who on the cross has made a way for us to be taken care of. Through Jesus, we can make it through the shortages we may face in life; we can overcome because of this love You have given through Your Son. We are now made aware of this love beyond measure and this makes us want to return this love unconditionally to others. Amen.

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Posted in Genesis, Love | Tagged Difficulties, Experiences, God, Jesus, Joseph, Love, Purpose | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of Genesis 45-47

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Mark Shields

I’ve shared about my journey through Genesis 41-44 over the past two weeks; about how God spoke to Joseph in dreams and how He speaks to us today through His Word. Like Joseph who affected the lives of people around the world, the guidance God gives each of us will affect the future of our families, communities, and nations.

God works through His people so as we pray each day, ask Him what to accomplish for that day. Put His plan into practice by setting priorities, visualizing the steps to take, and mapping out the route to the destination.

The world was built so that we would flourish and have abundance but the problem of the past has been that God was not always top priority within societies. But by accepting to let the past go and taking up the yoke of Christ, our load will become lighter and our future brighter.

The great advice found in the Bible along with the assured victory through Jesus Christ gives us momentum that can be gained daily. With this in mind, I will continue my journey through the Word of God and seek to discover ways to apply His Word in our life at work, at home, and within our neighborhoods.

The below questions for reflection for the upcoming study are laid out below to help bring out some thoughts and ideas to share with you over the next few posts.

Genesis 45
For what is God responsible? How far does God’s sovereignty extend? What is Joseph’s attitude to his circumstances? What is your attitude to your circumstances right now?

Genesis 46
How does Jacob know, despite the promise regarding Canaan, that he should settle his family in Egypt? In what ways did father and son change over the years as they reunite? What are things we should do when making major decisions in life?

Genesis 47
How does Jacob sum up his life? With what economic principles does he deal with the hungry and under-privileged? What qualities do you reveal in your vocation and everyday duties?

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
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