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

In the Faith – Matthew 22:1-14

Posted on March 24, 2012 by Mark Shields

Biblical principles are practical today and they will not let us down. Yielding to a Godly perspective day in and day out will set us free.

The wedding clothes mentioned in Mathew 22:1-14 are the character traits Christians should put on as they go through life. Christians should have characteristics like kindness, encouragement, and generosity; having a concern for others and telling them about how big God is to handle difficulties. If these characteristics are not seen by others, then there is no evidence that we are in the faith.

Let us examine ourselves to find out whether we are in the faith and are seeking to be approved by the King. Ask for God’s help and believe nothing is too big for Him to handle or too small for Him to be interested in. Take inspiration from this video: Words I Would Say – Sidewalk Prophets.

Believe this day with God will be amazing because He gives insight into how to play a part in a preferred future and gives plans to make a difference in society. Think of God’s answered prayers of the past, be thankful for being approved by God through Christ, and let us pray for growing in the faith.

Quest Journal, sections 58-61 (woodystonejournal.wordpress.com)
The Fruits of the Spirit: Kindness and Goodness (slapioneer.wordpress.com)
Tozer Devotional-God Always Acts Like Himself (trinityspeaks.wordpress.com)
The Unfolding of Sacred Potential (Part Three – Revised and Expanded) (lifebrook.wordpress.com)
Evangelicals and Catholics Together; a conversations toward unity (signposts02.wordpress.com)
Quote of the Day – Godliness (livesharp.org)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Biblical Principles, Character, Christ, Christian, Christianity, Divinity, Encouragement, Faith, Generosity, God, Godly Perspective, Jesus, Kindness, Religion and Spirituality | 4 Comments

Not What You Say But What You Do – Matthew 21:23-46

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Mark Shields

My Pastor said once in a sermon that the way to be great is to have the right priorities and be a servant like Jesus. To apply the Word, recognize what is needed, and use your talents to help. For more inspiring points from sermons, visit this link: Sermon Podcast.

God’s word teaches in Matthew 21:23-46 about how the Pharisees talked a good talk but didn’t follow through with action; similar to our government leaders who pay attention to the politics of a situation rather than what needs to be done to help people. Jesus teaches about what’s really important; making a positive impact in the life of each individual.

One area that can impact people in a negative way is the economy. Businesses in a bad economy sometimes have to close and people lose jobs. This truly impacts families. The company I work for, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance has been able to withstand the recent economic downturn so far. They are even adding positions and continue to grow.

Image via Wikipedia

Over the years, Texas Farm Bureau has supported various organizations like the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, United Way, and the American Heart Association. Good organizations make a tremendous impact on their communities. Sometimes you have to wonder though if the government tries to do too much. They just don’t have the experience or expertise to get involved in certain areas and systems are not in place to handle demand.

Texas Farm Bureau is an independent company and not a part of a government agency. It’s been around a long time developing specialized services to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers; expanding out to offer their services to all individuals of Texas who need home and auto insurance. They’ve gotten good at what they do over the years and continue to look at areas of the business they can improve.

Like a business that constantly looks for ways to improve, we can constantly look at ways to improve as a person. Today, I’m praying that I take action on what truly needs to be done and improve in my daily walk. I pray for courage to do the right thing even if it leads to criticism by some. This day with God will be amazing because there will be no need to hold back and God will remind me that love flows best when it flows freely.

Matthew 21-22 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Yoked (chadezelle.wordpress.com)
Part 3 Desire and the Kingdom (intheperputualruins.wordpress.com)
What Is Relay For Life and Why Should You Donate? (tonyavrba.wordpress.com)
My Favorite Agriculture Blogs (agricultureproud.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Applied Faith, Bible, Chapters and verses of the Bible, Christ, Community, Economy, Freedom, God, Gospel of Matthew, Improvement, Initiative, Jesus, Jobs, Pharisees, Priorities, Relay For Life, religion & spirituality, Sermon Podcast, Service, Texas, Texas Farm Bureau | Leave a comment

Lesson on Composure – Matthew 21:1-22

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Mark Shields

As I journey through Matthew 21:1-22, I notice that everyone begins to recognize who Jesus is. A crowd of people from around Jerusalem gathers as Jesus and the disciples come up the road from Jericho. Jesus sends two disciples ahead to find a donkey.

The range of emotions Jesus went through during this time is off the charts. The exuberance of entering Jerusalem and so many people acknowledging Him as King to the anger of seeing those who were buying and selling in the Temple courts. He was tired and hungry with the constant thought of knowing the week had finally come for Him to die on the cross for our sins. Yet through it all, He maintained the composure needed to carry out His purpose.

The disciples couldn’t believe it when Jesus caused to fig tree to wither. They asked how did He do this and Jesus says in verse 21- 22 “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Today, I’m praying for my walk with God; the faith, integrity, and courage to recognize and approve the Gospel message. This day with God, I’m letting faith arise – I’m opening my eyes. Here’s a video that has inspired me and my hope is that it gives some inspiration for your day: I Lift My Hands – Chris Tomlin.

There is great power in letting faith arise. This invisible and intangible power can never be taken away. It is a valued possession that helps us get places and accomplish things that matter.

A Barren Fig Tree That Bears No Fruit (dailybibleplan.com)
Under the Fig Tree (gladlylistening.wordpress.com)
The Teachings of Jesus in the Temple; The Moneychangers (brakeman1.com)
I Will Rejoice! (virtuouswomen.net)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Chris Tomlin, Cross, Faith, Fig Tree, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jesus, Journey, King, Power, Prayer, Purpose, Temple Courts | 5 Comments

Matthew 21-22 Questions for Reflection

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Mark Shields

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Each day with God can be amazing because the pathway set before us leads to that which is pure and good and lovely.

In my readings of Matthew 19-20, I’ve noticed that people are drawn to Jesus because of His passion for what He does and because He loves fulfilling His purpose; able to get inside those He teaches and motivate them to learn. People that want to learn formulate questions and we can be assured that the cross has the answer for them all. I’ve learned that it’s not money that makes us happy but doing God’s work and having others join in that abundantly blesses. The effort brings multiple rewards. We can build momentum for life by integrating our faith with our relationships, our career, and everything we do. God’s Word gives us step by step instructions for a meaningful life.

I’m looking forward now to sharing about my journey through Matthew 21-22. I expect to share about how powerful faith can be if we apply the Word of God and take action as we yield to a Godly perspective each day. The questions below will be used as a guide over the next four posts.

Matthew 21:1-22
Passage Lookup

To what extent do the people recognize who Jesus is? What are the pigeons used for? What causes the disciples to marvel?

Matthew 21:23-46
Passage Lookup

What is the issue? To what extent do you respect God’s Son? Why? Since God made you to live forever, what is the one thing you should stop doing and the one thing you should start doing today?

Matthew 22:1-14
Passage Lookup

What are wedding clothes? What are the requirements of being chosen? What is the main idea presented in this reading?

Matthew 22:15-45
Passage Lookup

What is the intention of these questions? Distinguish the Pharisees’ intention (verse 15) and response (verse 22). Can love of God and love of others be mutually exclusive? Why? What is the Messiah’s relationship with David (See PS 110:1)?

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The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it. My prayer is that the readings, questions above, and the experiences we go through this week will encourage thought in ways to apply God’s Word in our life.

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 19-20 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
March 12 – Is It Okay To Ever Become Angry As A Christian? (lelandfleming.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged God, Gospel of Matthew, InterVarsity Press, Jesus, Matthew, Messiah, Pharisees, United Methodist Church | 7 Comments

Integrating Faith and Our Actions – Matthew 20:17-34

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Mark Shields

Jesus tells the disciples in Matthew 20:17-34 that he would be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They would condemn him to death and turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified.

Jesus prepared for everything He would have to go through. He explains that earthly rulers exercise authority and others serve them but the ruler of the spiritual kingdom must be a servant. Jesus demonstrated this while on earth as He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

In Matthew 20:29-34, Jesus continued to demonstrate that He practices what He preaches by having compassion and healing two blind men in this passage. He would endure by faith until the end of His earthly life with passion but was raised to life on the third day!

A lesson for me in reading this passage is that we should put God’s will first in our life. This allows us to build momentum throughout life by integrating our faith with our relationships, our career, finances, and everything we do. God’s Word gives us step by step instructions to plan and build a meaningful life. Take inspiration from this video: What Can I Do – Paul Baloche.

Are you praying for a miracle today? Believe this day with God will be amazing because He will help us plan the right things for our day and things will fall into place.