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

Leading a Life That Matters – Matthew 26:1-16

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Mark Shields

Leading a life that matters means being involved in something bigger than life itself and can be obtained by concentrating on the things of God until they become a magnificent obsession. Faith grows with each new day because the yesterdays build into brighter tomorrows and the future is in His hands.

To set up the time frame of Matthew 26:1-16, The Passover is two days away and Jesus continues to teach His disciples how to live a life that matters. Jesus predicts his Crucifixion and we read that the elders were plotting to arrest Jesus.

While Jesus was at the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume which she poured on his head. The disciples were angry because they thought this to be a waste because the perfume could be sold at a high price and the money given to the poor. Jesus explained that the poor will continue to be around thus giving opportunities to provide for them and store up treasures in heaven. Jesus explained that the woman had her priorities right; that his physical body will be around for a short time now and she was preparing his body for burial.

The woman led a life that matters because she concentrated on the things of God and knew her future was in His hands. My Pastor Steve Ramsdell said in a sermon once that if the things of God are your treasure, then you have all things. What drives you toward God? Why do we not ask God more often for help? Think of the possibilities if we went to Him more.

This day with God is amazing because we have an efficient and effective way to meet with Him. In prayer, we can ask for help in understanding the unseen, the eternal, and the supernatural. We can invest in people by making the wisdom of God known to them. Here’s a video to inspire leading a life that matters: Magnificent Obsession – Steven Curtis Chapman.

Matthew 26 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Treasure (kittypalmer.wordpress.com)
The Reluctant Alabaster Jar (elizabethre.wordpress.com)
The Beautiful Tears (thebereanway.wordpress.com)
The Woman Who Loved Deeply (sethparr.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Bethany, God, Gospel of Matthew, Passover, Prayer, Simon the Leper, Steven Curtis Chapman, Treasures in Heaven | Leave a comment

Matthew 26 Questions for Reflection

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Mark Shields

God provides abundance in our world and wants us to be good stewards of what He has given. In Matthew 25, I learned that we should work to multiply what He has entrusted so we can joyfully celebrate progress and reward together. I also learned that being someone who cares with little acts of kindness can impact the life of many people.

As I now get ready for the journey into Matthew 26, the readings and questions below will be used as a guide or map to help with my study. The Questions For Reflection tab at the top or at this link has a list of previous studies I’ve done along my journey.

Matthew 26:1-16
Passage Lookup
Contrast the attitudes of the disciples and Jesus about the woman that poured the expensive perfume on Jesus. What makes the disciples react negatively? Contrast the actions of the woman and Judas. What do you think motivates each?

Matthew 26:17-35
Passage Lookup
What arrangements has Jesus made for the Passover meal? How does Jesus associate himself with the actions of the meal? What predictions of this passage are hopeful? To what extent are you anticipating communion in the Father’s kingdom?

Matthew 26:36-46
Passage Lookup
Jesus took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him. Contrast their actions here with their intentions (see verses 33, 35; 20:22). What qualities of the Lord are revealed in his instructions to the disciples and in his prayers? In what areas is your spirit willing? Is your flesh weak? Why?

Matthew 26:47-56
Passage Lookup
Who accompanies Judas? Why, do you think? Why does Jesus submit to this arrest? Do you know what task God has in mind for you? What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What is my purpose?

Matthew 26:57-75
Passage Lookup
What charge is the council seeking? Why do you think Jesus “condemns” himself? What is the verdict? Contrast Peter’s intentions (verses 33-35) with the actual events.

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To set up the time frame of Matthew 26, it is two days before Passover and Jesus continues to teach His disciples how to live a life that matters. The teaching continues even today as we learn from His example of determination in fulfilling the mission.

Check up on my posts over the next few weeks as I share some thoughts. My hope is that some of the thoughts or ideas that come from the study of Matthew 26 will be beneficial to you.

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

Matthew 25 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
The Greatest Story ever told…Straight from the bible. (pastormikesays.wordpress.com)
Day 5 (revelation217.com)
Jesus Betrayal and Arrest Matthew 26:47-56 (loopyloo305.com)
The Most Spectacular Sin Ever Comitted Part Three (momsfirstscreenn.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Abundance, Bible Study Guide, Caring, God, Gospel of Matthew, Judas Iscariot, Kindness, Matthew, Passover, Stewards, United Methodist Church, Zebedee | 6 Comments

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