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

Matthew 23-24 Questions for Reflection

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Mark Shields

Each day with God can be amazing because our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never lets us down.

In my readings of Matthew 21-22, I’ve found that there is great power in letting faith arise. This invisible and intangible power can never be taken away; a valued possession that helps us get places and accomplish things that matter. I’ve learned to take action on what the true need is and that it takes courage to do the right thing especially when there are those against us that are going to criticize no matter what.

Those against us say that Biblical principles are not practical in present times but I’ve found just the opposite and by yielding to a Godly perspective day in and day out, we are set free. Not only does the gospel message have a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it but there is real integrity with no need for manipulation.

I’m looking forward now to sharing about my journey through Matthew 23-24. The readings below will be used as a guide or map and the questions will be used to stimulate thought over the next four posts. For a guide of other devotionals along my journey, visit this page: Questions for Reflection.

Matthew 23:1-28
Passage Lookup

In what ways do the scribes and Pharisees oppress the people? Why? What images describe the Pharisees’ actions and attitudes? What hypocrisy is revealed by each? Why?

Matthew 23:29-39
Passage Lookup

To what extent do you believe you would have recognized Jesus as Messiah in Jerusalem at this time? How are you responding to his words now?

Matthew 24:1-28
Passage Lookup

What will precede the end of the age in the world? In the church itself? What image is used of the Roman conquest? How do you know you will be saved?

Matthew 24:29-42
Passage Lookup

How certain is Jerusalem’s destruction? What metaphor illustrates its imminent certainty? How differently do you live if you know for sure that Christ is coming back in your generation? Are you prepared to meet Him?

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Come along on my journey or check up on my posts over the next couple of weeks as I write about my travels through the book of Matthew. I’m praying for Jesus the Teacher to help me understand and share how we can integrate our faith with our lifestyle. To help us learn how to do the right thing by staying in the light and understanding that God is present in His Word nourishing our thoughts so they grow into food for our souls.

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 21-22 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christ, Faith, Free, God, Gospel of Matthew, Integrity, Jerusalem, Jesus, Matthew, Pharisee, Power, United Methodist Church | 7 Comments

Jesus is Tested – Matthew 22:15-45

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Mark Shields

The Pharisees Question Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it. There is real integrity and no need for manipulation. As I journey through Matthew 22:15-45, I noticed how the Pharisees planned to trap Jesus with contradictory words thus damaging the integrity of His teachings. Jesus answers their tough questions about paying taxes and resurrection. Then the Sadducees got their chance to question Jesus. The first question was what is the greatest command? The second was whose son is the Christ? In each answer to their question, Jesus baffles these religious leaders with His profound knowledge and crystal-clear answers.

The truth is clear. In the book Game Plan for Life by Joe Gibbs, one of the team writers named Ravi Zacharias writes, “In real terms, the New Testament is easily the best attested ancient writing in terms of the sheer number of documents, the time span between the events and the document, and the variety of documents available to sustain or contradict it. There is nothing in ancient manuscript evidence to match such textual availability and integrity”.

This day with God, make it a part of your prayer to ask for help in your walk with Him. Be thankful for the integrity of the Gospel writings. As my pastor, Steve Ramsdell said once in a sermon message, “Christ Jesus does what He promises to do. You can find all the bones of religious leaders except for one because He has risen.” Encourage, build up, and humbly pray for growth in the people you are around each day. Get across that no matter what happens in life, God loves them and that is all that matters.

Give Unto Caesar | Matthew 22:15-22 | 121 (commonmansbiblejourney.wordpress.com)
“The Scriptures Versus the Sadducees” (verticalviewer.wordpress.com)
How Did Jesus Preach? (revivalandreformation.wordpress.com)
Matthew 21-22 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
The Posture of a Spiritual Leader (garyrunn.com)
Mark 2: A New Master (kingdomnewtestament.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christ, God, Gospel of Matthew, Integrity, Jesus, New Testament, Pharisee, Ravi Zacharias, Sadducees | Leave a comment

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.