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

Well Prepared

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Mark Shields

In Luke 3:21-38, we read that Jesus was about 30 years old when He began His public ministry. We read earlier in Luke 3:3 that John the Baptist was going into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John but John tried to deter Him because He knew Jesus was without sin. Jesus told John it was proper in order to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:13-15).

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Jesus identifies with us one on one as a person even though He was without sin so He is fully human yet divine. There are two ways that Jesus’ divine identity is shown to us in verse 22. First as He was being baptized, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. Second, we read that a voice came from heaven saying: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

In this passage today, we have a clear record of the genealogy of Jesus so we can see that our Savior came from the line of David which fulfills prophecy from the Old Testament. Even though Jesus was only 30 years old, He was well prepared for His ministry. John had also prepared the way for the people during that time to accept Jesus as Savior.

The Word and Spirit regenerate us today. We have the opportunity to fall back on generations of brothers and sisters in the faith to prepare each of us for our given “ministry”. Notice that the ministry of Jesus began after great preparation, prayer, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit.

This day with God will be amazing because we can go to Him in prayer. Prayer is our greatest power because we are talking to the ONE who has the answer. Ask for direction today and choose to live this day with Him; always taking the opportunity to share the Good News.

Posted in Applied Faith, Luke | Tagged Faith, Holy Spirit, Jesus, John the Baptist, Ministry, Prayer, Preparation, Savior | Leave a comment

Jesus is the Way

Posted on October 3, 2014 by Mark Shields

Reading and posting about John the Baptist (See the post Preparing the Way), a thought for me is that John was able to relate to those he was speaking to and made it easier for them to understand what they should do as he prepares them for the Way.

This day with God, let us strive to do the same and pray to help others follow the Way. I hope you will be blessed by this video: The Way – Jeremy Camp.

For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. – Proverbs 2:6

Posted in Common Sense, Luke | Tagged John the Baptist, Knowledge, Lord, The Way, Understanding, Wisdom | Leave a comment

Preparing the Way

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Mark Shields

We are told in Luke 3:1-20 that John began his preaching in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar. His purpose was to bring the message of repentance, prepare the way for the Lord, and share the Good News. He challenged people to be industrious; producing much fruit to prove they had repented.

John got his authority from God. He was a common sense type of guy who talked about the virtues of generosity (v. 11), honesty (v. 13), and contentment (v. 14). If we were to apply his philosophy today more affectively, everyone would have what they needed and the world would be a much happier place.

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus who teaches us the Way to apply the Truth; to follow, to believe, and obey. They honored God by living the way life ought to be lived which is to keep life simple so God can do the amazing part.

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This day with God will be amazing because you can use the skills you have, be happy with who you are, and let God work out the rest. He thinks you’re AWESOME!

Posted in Common Sense, Luke | Tagged Contentment, Generosity, God, Good News, Honesty, John the Baptist, Lord, Repentance, The Way, Truth | 2 Comments

Questions for Reflection for Study of Luke 3-4

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Mark Shields

So far this week in the study of Luke, we have received a great example of someone wanting to learn so they could be the best they could be in order to fulfill their purpose. At the age of twelve, Jesus was so focused on learning from the teachers at the Temple that He stayed behind when Joseph and Mary made their return trip back home.

In the same way, we should want to search our heart for talents that may be developed and there is no better way than to dive into His Word and pray as we journey along the way. I’ll be continuing the study in the book of Luke tomorrow and sharing a few thoughts. Each of the studies are designed to help apply our faith in the work place, at school, or at home. You can keep up with my spiritual journey by clicking http://wp.me/1ar6D

Someone once gave me these suggestions:

Focus on one day at a time by breaking things into pieces
Embrace the power you have to make choices
Remember that problems present opportunities
Determine what things are most important

Have a great rest of the week my friends! As the journey through God’s Word continues, below are questions for reflection for the study of Luke 3-4 which will help focus some thoughts to share in posts over the next few weeks.

Luke 3:1-20
What is John’s purpose (messengers are customarily sent to warn and exhort people to get ready for a royal visit – relate John’s purpose to the times)? What is his message? Where does he get his authority? In what ways do you bear fruits of repentance? What stands out about John’s character?

Luke 3:21-38
When does Jesus start his public ministry? What preparation have you given to your “ministry”?Why does Jesus as both divine and human have significance for you?

Luke 4:1-15
At what times are you most susceptible to Satan’s attacks? To whom does ultimate rule rightfully belong? Of what value to you is knowing that Jesus has been tempted in every way you are?

Luke 4:16-30
In what ways have you been released? Been given 20-20 spiritual vision? Found liberty? Satin tries to destroy Jesus and the power of His message; how does knowledge of this enlarge our understanding of Satin’s tactics and our ability to cope with life?

Luke 4:31-44
What impression does Jesus make on the people in the synagogue? How does Jesus’ understanding of His purpose affect his activities and relationships? What is your purpose or goal? In what ways does this affect your activities and relationships?

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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Posted in Luke, Questions for Reflection | Tagged Focus, God’s Word, Jesus, Joseph, Learning, Luke, Mary, Prayer, Purpose, Spiritual Journey | Leave a comment

Search the Heart

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Mark Shields

Mary and Joseph raised Jesus in a Godly home and went to the Passover Festival each year. Jesus would seize the opportunity to learn from the teachers at the Temple. Jesus desired to learn so He stayed behind to listen and ask questions.

In the same way, we need to search our heart for talents that may be developed. Inside each one of us is a treasure if we take the time to search deep inside for the purpose God has for us.

Here’s a video about setting a fire deep in our soul so there is no place we had rather be than here in God’s love. Enjoy this video: Set a Fire – Will Reagan & United Pursuit.