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

Barely Hanging On

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Mark Shields

This is a picture of the ruins of the church at Sardis which is about 30 miles south of Thyatira in what is today the western part of Turkey. As explained in Revelation 3:1-6, the people of the church at Sardis were proud and looked good on the outside but not so good on the inside. They needed to reflect on their past, ask for forgiveness, and humbly follow the Lord.

There are many churches today that are very much like the one at Sardis. They talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. They seem to be barely hanging on, almost dead with very little good deeds. What is needed is a good self evaluation by asking the question: are we doing all that we can to keep ourselves spiritually growing and productive?

Sometimes we might think there is no hope but each day we wake up, we can still dream and believe because God’s love keeps flowing like a never ending stream. If we just hang in there and give it just a little extra, God can take it from there.

Image Source is from ministrytravels.blogspot.com/

Posted in Going Extra Mile, Revelation | Tagged Churches, Forgiveness, Good Deeds, Hope, Humility, Lord, Love, Reflection, Sardis, Seven Churches, Spiritual Growth | 7 Comments

Questions for Reflection for Study of Revelation 3-4

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Mark Shields

In Revelation 1, Christ is speaking to John about the things already seen. This letter from John was written originally for the first seven churches in Asia but now for all Christian churches. Within the book of Revelation is discovered the love of God and the reward He has for His people.

Revelation 2 and 3 is about the present. Christ is telling John what to write to the seven churches.God is for us but Satan tricks us and there has been a battle since the days of Adam and Eve. The purpose of each church should be to explain the dilemma we face and share how to solve the problem.

God gives us the upper hand because we can detect mistakes of the past and be faithful to build solutions for the future. So over the upcoming weeks, I will use the questions below to help in this process. Let us hope for and desire the treasures found by living in God’s Spirit.

Revelation 3:1-6
Distinguish the appearance and the reality of the lives of these people. Which of your good works are on the point of death? Why? What steps will you have to take to revive them?

Revelation 3:7-13
How does Christ commend the church here? What is promised to them? Who might seize your crown? Why? How can you prevent such a loss? Relate love and power.

Revelation 3:14-22
The people of Laodicea are described as being lukewarm. What are the remedies for their situation? In what areas and ways do you need the help of Christ to help in conquering?

Revelation 4
What is happening here? Why? What is the reason for John’s inclusion? What qualities of God are extolled? How can you give God glory and honor and thanks today?

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.

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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 Questions for Reflection, Revelation | Tagged Apostle John, Bible Study, Churches, Desire, Devotion, Future, Hope, Journey, Lessons, Past, Plan, Present, Questions, Reflection, revelation, Rewards, Satan, Seven Churches, Solutions, Treasure, Word | 2 Comments

Week in Review – Revelation 2:12-29

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Mark Shields

This week, I have posting some thoughts from Revelation 2:12-29. The church at Pergamum was in a city rife with idol worship. The church at Thyatira had a problem with a corrupt leader named Jezebel who enticed the people into adultery and other immoral sexual behavior.

One lesson learned from this week’s study is that we should get the upper hand by detecting mistakes of the past and being faithful to build solutions for the future. If there is a problem with those we associate as the case with the church at Pergamum, then we need to jump away from that way of life and desire the treasures found by living in God’s Spirit. Here is a link to a poem with this in mind: Jump.

The hope for a brighter future influences our present lives. If we believe God will give us what we need and if we keep the vision of a better life for future generations, then we will work harder. These thoughts inspired another poem at this link:Hope for a nation.

Next week, the study will continue into Revelation 3. Have a great weekend my friends!

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Posted in Overcome Difficulty, Poems, Rewards | Tagged Association, Future, God’s Spirit, Hope, Inspiration, revelation, Vision | Leave a comment

Seek the Prize and Arise

Posted on May 15, 2014 by Mark Shields

Believe God will give you what you need and keep working to paint a picture of future victory. Here’s a video to inspire this action: Revelation Song – Kari Jobe.

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. – 2 Chronicles 15:7

Posted in Revelation, Rewards | Tagged Believe, Faith, Hope, Reward, Strength, victory | Leave a comment

There is a Reward for Growing in Faith

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Mark Shields

Ruins at Thyatira

Thyatira is located about 35 miles southeast of Pergamum in current day Turkey. Although the church there had some issues with a corrupt leader named Jezebel who enticed the people into adultery and other immoral sexual behavior, it was growing in faith as recorded in Revelation 2:18-29.

Reading further in the passage, a reward is promised if they continued their faith, their service, and perseverance. It is the same for us today. There will be a reward if we continue to grow spiritually because Christ brings goodness into the soul. He brings the light of grace and glory; there is enjoyment in His presence because He is Lord and Savior.

A bright future can be influenced by the present because of hope. This present hope affects current behavior as one strives to do what needs to be done, prays for direction, and works efficiently towards that bright future. This day with God will be amazing if we celebrate progress throughout the day by praising Him. If we think about the future reward with Him, are inspired to overcome the obstacles we face, and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion.

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