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

Little Acts of Kindness – Matthew 25:31-46

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Mark Shields

As written in Matthew 25:31-46, the actions that please the King include feeding the hungry, inviting strangers in, giving cloths to those in need, and visiting the sick or those in prison.

Everyone needs help at some point in life so get to know your neighbor’s name and think of ways to show that you care. We all live somewhere so why not fill a need for those around you. A guy I know from my church takes out the trash and makes sure the paper is on the porch for several neighbors.

Encourage one another and build others up by giving them a heart full of joy. A perfect day has to include doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.

One time, someone’s car didn’t start and another guy came up to the person to see how they might help. They had jumper cables and by just being there with what the other person needed, it made all the difference. Just being there with little acts of kindness or encouraging words are like those jumper cables; they can spark a little hope into someone’s day and get them going.

It seems like a small thing when a rock is thrown into a pond but then a ripple starts over the entire pond. Being someone who cares with little acts of kindness are like throwing this rock and causing a ripple effect that impacts the life of many people. Take inspiration from this video: SomeOne Cares – Scott Krippayne.

This day with God, think of opportunities to help others right in your neighborhood, dorm, or apartment complex. Pray for those that are weak; for ideas to help and opportunities to be kind.

Thanks for reading. Please consider reading other blogs I’m in the process of developing at the links below:

Step Ahead
Neighbors United

Matthew 25 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
The Ripple Effect (findingsubjects.com)
What You Did For Me… Matthew 25:31-46 (flashvine.me)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Care, Christ, Encourage, Feeding the Hungry, Giving Cloths to the Needy, God, Gospel of Matthew, Hope, Inviting Strangers In, Jesus, Kindness, Neighbor, Scott Krippayne, Visiting the Sick Or Those In Prison | Leave a comment

Multiplying Entrusted Resources – Matthew 25:1-30

Posted on April 14, 2012 by Mark Shields

Why does a dog burry a bone? Why does a pirate burry a treasure? My sister and I buried some money beside our house one time. Our family moved from the house and we forgot it was there. As far as I know, the treasure is still there. Yes, $2.56 is still about one foot in the ground beside the house at the corner of Lee and Giddings Street in Brenham, Texas.

Treasure Map.

Don’t burry your treasure. God owns everything and is happy when we multiply entrusted resources. God’s abundant resources should give us confidence to step ahead and multiply what He has entrusted. Then we can joyfully celebrate progress and reward together.

In the parable within Matthew 25:14-30, two servants put their master’s money to work. They were rewarded with the chance to share happiness with their master and be entrusted with even more.

The one servant buried what was entrusted to him; afraid that it would be taken away. The money was not put to use so it was taken away. The lesson is to use it or lose it. Use the resources God has entrusted to you. Don’t be afraid because our Master has unlimited resources and is here to help gain even more.

Amazing things can happen by spending this day with God. Joyfully celebrate His many blessings and for videos like this one: God of Wonders.

Joyfully celebrate the God of wonders who provides confidence to step ahead and multiply what has been entrusted. Be thankful for His blessings. Pray for growth in numbers as others are led to Christ and share in the celebration of reward and progress. The God of wonders beyond our galaxy knows your name and loves you.

Matthew 25 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Devotional Guide – Treasure the Master (Matthew 25:14-30) (trinitytuscaloosa.wordpress.com)
Stewardship III: Treasures (darkenedglassreflections.wordpress.com)
Talent (blessedsilence.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Celebrate, Christ, Christianity, God, Gospel of Matthew, Progress, religion & spirituality, Resources, Reward, Treasure | 4 Comments

Matthew 25 Questions for Reflection

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Mark Shields

A few helpful lessons learned during my journey through Matthew 23-24 is that we can spread our wings of faith and soar by meshing what we believe with how we live. We do everything much more effective and efficient when we include Christ in every activity, every conversation, every problem, and every thought throughout our day.

Burdens can be heavy at times but by staying disciplined and in the light, a heavy load becomes much lighter. God is present and making things happen. Like planting a seed in fertile soil, we need to plant God’s Word in our minds and into the minds of others. The result will be food for the soul.

I’m looking forward now to sharing about my journey through Matthew 25. The readings below will be used as a guide or map and the questions will be used to stimulate thought over the next two posts. For a guide of other devotionals along my journey, please visit this page: Questions for Reflection.

Matthew 25:1-30
Passage Lookup

How do two servants make more money? What is their reward? Of what is the one servant afraid? With what have you been entrusted? What kind of master do you have?

Matthew 25:31-46
Passage Lookup

List the actions that please the King. Give examples of those that serve their neighbor. What is the future for those that help those in need?

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Get ready with the enthusiasm what can be learned from blogs, sermons, and small group discussion for they may be useful in helping more and more to Christ. Come along on my journey or check up on my posts over the next week as I continue to write about my travel through the book of Matthew.

I’m praying that God’s abundant resources will give us confidence to step ahead and multiply what He has entrusted. Like a small pebble thrown into a pond and causing a ripple over the entire pond, I’m praying that the writings in our blogging community will cause a ripple effect that impacts the life of many.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978

The Real Value in Christianity Is Found in the Lives of It’s Believers (verticalviewer.wordpress.com)
Love of God and of One’s Neighbor (throughchrist.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Bible Study Guide, Christ, Devotional, Faith, God, Gospel of Matthew, InterVarsity Press, Jesus, Lessons, Matthew, Prayer, United Methodist Church | 5 Comments

Watch and Listen – Matthew 24:29-51

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Mark Shields

My Pastor, Steve Ramsdell said in a sermon once that God speaks in various ways – visions, dreams, and life’s circumstances, even through other people. Believe it or not, most of all, God speaks through the Bible. For other points made in sermons, visit this link: Sermon Podcast.

In Matthew 24:29-42, Jesus talks to the disciples about the future; giving a lesson by using the example of a fig tree. Like the leaves coming out on a fig tree before summer, so is the certainty of Jerusalem’s destruction. The Earth will pass away but God’s Word will endure so it’s important to watch and listen.

Then the Lord begins to speak of his second coming. The only definite “sign” Jesus gives of when this will happen is when the gospel of the kingdom is preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations (verse 14). We should be on alert at all times and be prepared for when Jesus comes or calls.

I led a small group one summer and this link documents our study: God’s Plan for Us. The top part is for anyone that would like to accept God’s plan or reaffirm their “YES” for Christ. It also has links to some other writings I’ve posted.

This day with God, expect His presence all the time because God can be present in the things we read, the experiences we go through, or the people we meet.

Click on the piano piece above or at this link: In The Garden: Norm Hastings, Piano. Spend a few minutes in silence, putting away the cares and concerns and noise of the day; listening for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Reflect on God’s Word. What lesson is God teaching? Think about what you may pray for today. Is there a plan of action God is giving you today?

Today, I’m thinking about what I can do to remind myself to have thoughts about God and talk to him more often throughout the day? I pray that you do the same. This day will be amazing because we can share our thoughts and ideas even though we are many miles apart.

Things don’t happen by accident. Look around… God is present and making things happen. Like planting a seed and seeing what comes out of the ground, plant God’s word in the thoughts of others and see what grows to feed souls.

Expect God’s Presence All The Time – Ezekiel 44 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Matthew 23-24 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
And then, after Holy Week… (bodytheologyblog.wordpress.com)
A Season for Exploding (thejohn15life.wordpress.com)
Music Monday: Take your Seat! (ponderingbylaurie.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Bible, Christ, Dreams, Food for Souls, God, God's Presence, Gospel of Matthew, HolySpirit, Jerusalem, Lessons, Life Circumstances, Sermon, Visions | Leave a comment

Be Prepared Always – Matthew 24:1-28

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Mark Shields

The sign of Jesus’ return and the end of the age in the world is told in Matthew 24:1-28. Jesus tells the disciples that many will try to deceive and claim to be the Christ. They will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famine and earthquakes. Christians will be persecuted and put to death. There will be many that turn away from their faith.

When times get difficult, many want to give in but it’s important to stay in the light. Here’s a video to give inspiration: Stay – Jeremy Camp.

Burdens can be heavy so the challenge is to continue to be disciplined and stay in the light. Let us take note and be prepared always. Discipline weighs only ounces compared to regret which weighs tons. Let us stand firm and put God’s will first in our life – in our relationships, in our families, and in our finances. This day with God, make it a part of your prayer to stay in the light. No matter what happens in life, God loves you and that is all that matters.