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

Ezekiel 31

Posted on November 27, 2011 by Mark Shields

In Ezekiel 31, Egypt is compared to a tall cedar tree which is nourished by roots growing deep in the ground and fed by abundant spring waters. The problem is that Egypt had too much pride and its pride kept it from recognizing that the nourishment came from God.

God is our spring of water; nourishing us and helping us grow. We are to be humble, give glory to God, and do things to help others. We are to shine the light of Christ and highlight those doing good so our future is filled with unity, peace, and stability.

As a leader of a family, small group, or at your work place, ask God to help lead. Take inspiration from the Lead Me – Sanctus Real video above. Prayer is our greatest power because we can ask questions and get answers.

This day with God will be amazing because He helps plan the right things for our day and things fall into place. Today in prayer, I’m asking God questions like what to do first and how? Will it be worth my time and does it fit into my priorities? I’m praying that I give God my best and that He daily refines my character.

What does the cedar mean? (cedarshop.wordpress.com)
Ezekiel 30-32 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Daily renewal for busy Catholics 11/20/2011 (deaconjohnspace.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Accurate Thinking, Bible Study, Christ, Christianity, Egypt, Ezekiel, God, religion & spirituality | Leave a comment

Ezekiel 30

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Mark Shields

In Ezekiel 30, we discover the cause of Egypt’s destruction. Pride was the downfall of Egypt; believing in its own strength and power rather than God’s. The army of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon was used as instruments to destroy Egypt. This passage teaches that we can’t rely on our own resources and achievements to ultimately prosper but we can confidently step ahead by trusting in God’s power and resources.

The king of Egypt had too much pride and didn’t accept God’s help. Today, our king is Jesus. By believing in Him, we receive the Holy Spirit as helper. Take a few moments to click the video below or this link: Here Is Our King – David Crowder Band.

Success is not an accident; a major part of achievement comes from being committed to God, planning with Him, and putting in the focused effort towards the purpose He has for us. This day with God, let us pray for help in making good choices. Let us pay attention because God’s help can come from the things we read, the lessons learned from experiences, and from the people we meet.

Ezekiel 30-32 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
I Saw His Glory (shepherdssheep.wordpress.com)
Pride comes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall (walkinstep.wordpress.com)
How and Where God Speaks (pttyann2.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Attention to God, Babylon, Bible Study, Christ, Egypt, Ezekiel, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus | Leave a comment

Ezekiel 30-32 Questions for Reflection

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Mark Shields

Image by foxspain via Flickr

The questions below can be used to stimulate thought about each passage:

Ezekiel 30
Passage Lookup

What is the basic cause of Egypt’s destruction (See verses 6 & 18)? Who is responsible for the devastation (underline the I will phrases)? Why can’t anyone who trusts in his own resources and achievements ultimately prosper?

Ezekiel 31
Passage Lookup

Picture the cedar described. What has made for its greatness? How can a leader avoid the fate of being cast down?

Ezekiel 32
Passage Lookup

List the images used of Egypt (See Ezekiel 29:3-6 and 31:3). What have you learned about God from Ezekiel?

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This day with God will be amazing because He’s with us to make our burdens lighter. Share with us those amazing moments of your past or present by responding with a short note or a comment about any of these questions. Also, share with us any favorite inspirational videos, photos, sermon thoughts, or favorite Bible verses.

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

Ezekiel 27-29 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Chapters and verses of the Bible, Christ, Egypt, Ezekiel, God, InterVarsity Press, United Methodist Church | 4 Comments

Ezekiel 29

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Mark Shields

Image by msr via Flickr

God is a personal friend; not someone we just believe in or someone that gives us a set of guidelines. With God on our side, we have someone that can set us on the right track. He has an interest our future and He knows more than anyone what the future holds. Robert Schuller who began the Hour of Power television program once said, “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples”.

Unfortunately, as we read in Ezekiel 29, Egypt’s future would not be that bright. Once respected as a powerful kingdom, insight is given to the fate of the land of Egypt which history proves to come true. The lesson from this passage is that whatever we have, it comes from God and we should use it to glorify Him. Strength comes to those who desire God’s favor and grace; happiness to those who enjoy serving His purposes and feel blessed with a faith that last forever.

Click on the piano piece above or this link: Just As I Am – Norm Hastings, Piano. While listening, reflect on today’s reading. What lesson is God teaching? Think about what you may pray for today. Is there a plan of action God is giving you today? God is a personal friend that can help plan the right things for an amazing day.

Ezekiel 27-29 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
How to invite a friend to church (or church-y event)… (withoutashepherd.com)
The people in need…a forgotten class of the Church? (pastormikesays.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Egypt, Ezekiel, God, Relationships, Robert H. Schuller, The Hour of Power | Leave a comment

Ezekiel 28

Posted on November 20, 2011 by Mark Shields

In the Word today Ezekiel 28, the king of Tyre had a great skill in trading. His empire amassed great wealth but it led to pride and he regarded himself as a god. The downfall of Tyre was caused by his pride; thinking he had the power to protect his people instead of being humble and knowing that it’s God’s power that provides safety and prosperity.

Our future is a bright one because our King cures sins and eases us of our troubles. The lesson from today’s reading is that it’s important to understand where our blessings come from. We should use our talents for God’s purposes and when we do, there is true happiness. The great basketball coach of UCLA which won 10 NCAA national championships in a 12-year period from 1964 – 1975 said this once, “talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”

Click on the piano piece above or link to it here: Just As I Am – Norm Hastings, Piano . While listening, reflect on today’s reading. What lesson is God teaching? Think about what you may pray for today. Is there a skill you have that can be used for God’s purposes?

Each day with God can be amazing because we can breathe in freedom with every breath we take because we are loved and forgiven. Once a sinner but now saved by grace because of the victory won by Christ.