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

Matthew 19-20 Questions for Reflection

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Mark Shields

I’ve come to the end of my journey through Ezekiel; a book filled with much imagery and at times difficult to interpret but with teachings that are clear and of high value. Thanks for being there for me and holding me accountable to Bible study and sharing my thoughts. Each day with God is amazing because the Holy Spirit is with us; in our every activity, every conversation, every problem, and even every thought.

I’m looking forward now to continuing my journey through Matthew. I’ve posted some thoughts already in Matthew and made a separate page to log previous studies at this Link. I’ve started my study now in Matthew 19 and will share over the next few posts the exceptional teaching ability of Jesus. Also, I’ll write about the importance of asking questions, trying to find answers to our questions, and that the cross answers all of them. Then I’ll post about what truly is rewarding in life and how God’s Word gives us step by step instructions to plan and build a meaningful life.

I think it will be interesting so stop back in over the next few post as I continue to share about my journey through the entire Bible. Anyone that is looking for a new Bible study guide is certainly welcome to join me on this journey. We’ll try to answer the questions below over the next few posts.

Matthew 19:1-15
Passage Lookup

Where does Jesus go now? What is the Pharisees’ test now? How does society in Jesus’ day regard children?

Matthew 19:16-30
Passage Lookup

What is involved in the attainment of eternal life? Why? To what extent can having riches be reconciled with loving your neighbor as yourself? Why?

Matthew 20:1-16
Passage Lookup

What is the policy of reward in the kingdom of heaven? Why? What is implied about “working your way to heaven”? Why?

Matthew 20:17-34
Passage Lookup

What three experiences await Jesus in Jerusalem? How does Jesus practice what He preaches? Whom do you serve? Why?

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The inspiration for this blog started a few years ago. To read more, please visit this link: Inspiration for This Day with God. Repeated day in and day out, I believe reading the Bible can result in long-term, far reaching benefits right now and of course for eternity.

My prayer is that the readings, questions above, and the experiences I go through this week will provide some good thoughts to share over the next few posts. I’m praying that the lessons will help not only me but all who read so we can apply them in our activities and conversation as we spend each day with God.

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

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Bible, God, Gospel of Matthew, HolySpirit, InterVarsity Press, Jerusalem, Jesus, Matthew | 4 Comments

God Strengthens – Ezekiel 48

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Mark Shields

The name Ezekiel means “God strengthens” and as spiritual watchman, Ezekiel gives predictions and promises concerning the means by which the glory of the nation is to be restored. Like the trust of all the tribes in Ezekiel 48 who receive their portion of land, we must trust that God will give each of us a special place in His plan. As believers, our strength comes from God who is with us in life, in death, and forever.

I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior, we have taken the steps necessary to fulfill our purpose and make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us is a page called “Purpose” which is about fulfilling God’s purpose. No matter what happens in life, know that God loves you and that is all that matters.

Appreciate that you have the benefit of being a child of God. Rest and be assured that God has either found or will find a place for you in His plan. He will be present in defining moments of your life to carry you. Here is a video that affirms this truth: He will Carry You – Gaither Vocal Band.

Ezekiel 47- 48 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
The Call of God (lepages.wordpress.com)
Defending the Sheep and Contending for the faith (messianicway.wordpress.com)
I Know and I Remember (thetestofthecross.wordpress.com)
What Jesus Teaches Us About the Heart – -mark 7:6-23 (verticalviewer.wordpress.com)
Encountering God in this Season of Lent (sarahhollinger.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Bible, Christ, Christianity, Ezekiel, Gaither Vocal Band, God, God Strengthens, HolySpirit, Israel, Jesus, religion & spirituality | Leave a comment

Grace Brings Victory – Ezekiel 47

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Mark Shields

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Things can be made right; inner peace, laughter, and no stress. Freedom is waiting and the healing begins when we fall on our knees knowing grace brings victory.

In Ezekiel 47, the waters flow from the Temple of God to provide food for the soul and healing. The waters signify the gospel of Christ which will spread far to nourish all that believe. All need some Good News and reading blogs from fellow Christians is one tool that can accomplish this. If you read or watch the news, about 99% of what you hear is negative like crime, wrecks, fires, etc. but we don’t hear about the answered prayers.

We went through a drought in Texas last summer. It was so dry that fires would easily start if the wind got up; destroying homes, ranches, and livelihoods. Our church prayed for rain; for the farmers and ranchers who needed rain for their crops and livestock. God brought that healing rain and all of us at sometime in life will need God’s healing power.

Our mind and body are in constant need for healing. Videos that inspire, lift up, and provide positive food for the soul are ones that I value. Just like this one: Healing Begins – Tenth Avenue North.

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This day with God, I’m making a mental list of people that need healing and asking God for his therapeutic power. May His Word provide food for the mind; His Son supply light for growth and health.

Ashes: Dying to Sin (variegatedvision.wordpress.com)
A Baptism That Saves (gladlylistening.wordpress.com)
It’s the Water — A Lectionary Reflection (bobcornwall.com)
Called to Be Faithful, Not Successful by Mark D. Roberts (trinityspeaks.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Baptism, Christ, Christian, Ezekiel, God, Health, Holy Spirit, HolySpirit, Jesus, Prayer, Texas | Leave a comment

Ezekiel 47- 48 Questions for Reflection

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Mark Shields

Over the last few chapters of Ezekiel, I’ve learned that the real way to measure effective leadership is not what benefits the present but what affects a positive direction for the future in our families, businesses, organizations, and society in general. I’ve also learned that I need to pause each day to celebrate with God the free gift He has given us and to use each victory celebration as a stepping stone to even greater joy.

I’m looking forward now to sharing about my journey through Ezekiel 47-48 because it gives some great lessons about inner peace and the healing we receive when we fall on our knees with praise. We have been given the opportunity of being a child of God and can be assured that there is a place for all of us in God’s plan.

I will use the questions below to help in my thoughts as I share over the next two posts.

Ezekiel 47
Passage Lookup

How do you account for the origin, direction and increase of the water? How is the restoration of the glory of God among his people to affect a barren society and a stagnant religion? Who will share in the inheritance?

Ezekiel 48
Passage Lookup

In the beginning of Ezekiel’s ministry, God left Jerusalem and His people. Why will He return and restore them? On what basis does the city receive its name? Summarize the role Ezekiel has played in fulfilling God’s purpose. What is your place in God’s plan?

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Getting enthused about what you do has to come from within. For me, each day begins with a daily Bible reading and prayer. I’ve never gone to seminary but I’ve been a student of the Bible for nearly thirty years and a volunteer for my church media team for over seven years. Recently, I’ve set out to create a Bible study guide called This Day with God using my background in computers and business with ideas to help individuals get prepared for their day.

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