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

Questions for Reflection – The Book of Malachi

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Mark Shields

Reflecting on my journey through the book of Zechariah, the word reform keeps coming to mind. Back in the time before the first coming of Jesus, a new way was needed for the future and Jesus provided that way. By accepting Him as Savior, the Holy Spirit gives the power to change and refine flaws through a daily process to grow. Being disciplined makes life infinitely easier for progress and joy to occur.

A strategy I have put in place to being disciplined at daily Bible study is this blog. “This Day with God” devotional is here to guide my thoughts and prayers. It is here to open up the Scriptures with ideas that may help apply them; a tool to enhance communication about faith and have an effect on how we learn from each other. It’s about providing the type of freedoms I needed in the busy world in which we live.

Now as I turn my attention to the study of the book of Malachi, I will use the questions below to provide fuel for my thoughts as I study each passage. Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of these questions. 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.

My hope is that the readings, questions, and the experiences throughout this week will allow me the opportunity to truly experience a deeper relationship with God.

Malachi 1-2
Passage Lookup
What does Malachi emphasize as proofs of God’s love to Israel? What in my own life are like the blemished sacrifices that are talked about in this reading? Do I simply go through the motions on things?

Malachi 3:1-12
Passage Lookup
What social injustices will the revealed God correct? What is your responsibility toward these injustices now?

Malachi 3:13-4:6
Passage Lookup
What two types of people are presented here? Why should we be encouraged to know God in fear and in fellowship with His followers? Of what value to us is keeping God’s law?
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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

Wonder: We Still Wait (everydayawe.com)
The book of remembrance (pjgracecommunity.wordpress.com)

Posted in Malachi | Tagged Bible, Bible Study, Chapters and verses of the Bible, Devotional, Discipline, Faith, Freedom, God, Holy Spirit, HolySpirit, Jesus, Journey, Joy, Malachi, Prayers, Progress, Reflection, Reform, Savior, Scriptures, Zechariah | 1 Comment

The Promise is in Place

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Mark Shields

Yesterday, I posted the sermon outline of the new message series at First United Methodist Church Waco called “The Songs of Christmas”. Below are some things I noted during the sermon.

Israel was in dark times but a promise brought hope. The promise of Christ was given in Isaiah 9:6-7.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.

Today we don’t have to wait because the promise is in place for us now. Keep on doing what God tells you to do and believe in the promise. A song is being sung just for you and as we prepare for Christmas, I hope this video will bless your day with God: O Holy Night – David Phelps.

December 2nd 2012 – 1st Sunday in Advent (catholicjules.net)
Monday: December 3 (prayerscapes.wordpress.com)
God’s Promise Will Be Fulfilled (cofchristdailybread.wordpress.com)

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Christ, Christmas, Counselor, David, David Phelps, Father, God, Hope, Isaiah, Israel, O Holy Night, Prince of Peace, Promise | Leave a comment

Songs of Christmas Message Series

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Mark Shields

A new message series starts this weekend at First United Methodist Church Waco called “The Songs of Christmas”. Over the years, I have developed the practice of taking notes of each sermon with the purpose of seeking insight and life lessons. The staff of my church does a good job of giving us an outline to study and below is the outline for today’s sermon. I will be getting back to share notes and any insights or life lessons learned. A podcast of each message is available at this link. Usually, the podcast is ready after the 9:30 worship service which is about 2 hours from this posting.

1. A SONG OF LIGHT IN OUR DARKNESS.

“But suddenly there will be no more gloom for the land that suffered …before those people lived in darkness, but now they have seen a great light. They lived in a dark land, but a light has shined on them.” – Isaiah 9:1-2 (NCV)

2. A SONG OF HOPE IN OUR TURBULENCE.

“A new Branch will grow from a stump of a tree; so a new king will come from the family of Jesse. The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon that king. The Spirit will give Him wisdom and understanding, guidance and power….” – Isaiah 11:1-2a (NCV)

3. A SONG OF RESPONSE IN OUR PRAYERS.

“A child has been born to us; God has given a son to us. He will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace. Power and peace will be in His kingdom and will continue to grow forever.” – Isaiah 9:6-7a (NCV)

4. A SONG OF PATIENCE IN OUR WAITING.

“But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! For God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness and many will rejoice with you at his birth.” – Luke 1:13-14 (NLT)

5. A SONG OF CERTAINTY IN OUR FAITH.

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph….” – Luke 1:26:27ab (NLT)

I’ve Been De-Scrooged (ldsconvertblog.com)
Carols: A Christmas Devotional – “Joy To The World” (christlikeministriesnwa.wordpress.com)

Posted in Sermon Outline | Tagged Christianity, Christmas, Church, Faith, first united methodist, first united methodist church, Gabriel, Galilee, God, Hope, Jesus, Patience, Prayers, religion, Sermon Message, United Methodist Church | Leave a comment

The Power to Change

Posted on December 1, 2012 by Mark Shields

God knows what is best for each person and the Holy Spirit gives the power to change. I might have some flaws but God can refine me through a daily process and help me become more and more like Christ. Being disciplined will make life infinitely easier in the future; leading to progress and joy. My hope is that this video will add some inspiration for this day with God: I Surrender All – Oslo Gospel Choir.

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. – Job 23:10

Hell Bound (lynleahz.com)
Are You Plugged-in? (work4christ.wordpress.com)

Posted in Zechariah | Tagged Christ, Christianity, Discipline, God, Holy Spirit, Hope, Inspiration, Joy, oslo gospel choir, Power, Process, Progress, Refine, religion, Religion and Spirituality, spirituality, Tested | 7 Comments

Refining Flaws

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Mark Shields

In my journey through Zechariah 13:7–14:21, I read a prophecy of the suffering of Christ who would lay down his life for our sins. There is also prophecy of trials and sufferings which points to the siege of Jerusalem in the year 70 AD. The scripture tells us that one-third will remain and God will refine them like silver and test them like gold (13:9).

Some day He will return to set up His kingdom. In the meantime, we can accept God’s plan for us as explained at this link. As we go through life, we are tested and refined. We are battle tested for what life brings our way. We know where to go and what needs to be done.

This Day with God, I’m thankful for my relationship with Him through Jesus Christ and for the feeling of security in knowing my sin has been dealt with. I’m praying that I put God’s will first in my marriage, family, relationships, and career.