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

Ezekiel 20

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Mark Shields

From the book “Game Plan for Life” by Joe Gibbs, one point made was that we were made for God. Ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment in life will come only by living for Him and according to His playbook, the Bible.

In Ezekiel 20, we read that God gave His people the most beautiful of all lands so they would have all the resources they needed to be prosperous, happy, and thankful. They didn’t follow His counsel and worshiped idols instead. Now it is five months before Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem. Continued warnings are given to the people of Israel but the people sought help from their idols and not God. They made this choice even when history pointed out to them the great things God had done for them.

The Israelites rebelled and were left to the judgments they brought upon themselves. There is no shaking off God’s dominion; and those who will not yield to the power of his grace, shall sink under the power of his wrath. Like a forest of trees, the people of Judah and Jerusalem had been full of people but empty of fruit.

Click on the piano piece above or this link: In The Garden: 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? He can help plan so all things fall into place for an amazing day.

One lesson from today’s passage is the need to work together with God to develop a life plan. If not, chances are good that someone else’s plan will be followed and their plan may not be God’s plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us is a word document that can be read, downloaded and signed by anyone that would like to accept God’s plan or reaffirm their “YES” for Christ.

Beautiful Feet (Isaiah 52) (anchorforthesoul.org)
The siege of Jerusalem (creationconcept.wordpress.com)
Ezekiel 18 – 20 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Bible, Christ, Ezekiel, Focus on God, God, Jesus, Joe Gibbs | Leave a comment

Ezekiel 19

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup

This parable mourns the ruin of the royal family of David, the desolation of people in Israel, and the chief city of Jerusalem. Two metaphors are used of Israel; one as a lioness and the other as a flourishing fruitful vine. The nation’s advancement to authority leads to hearts that are full of ambition and selfishness. They thought they didn’t need God and the result was a destructive cycle.

Hope was lost back then but today it’s different; there is hope because of the ONE true living Vine alluded to in this passage. There is rejoicing for all of God’s people throughout all generations because of our Vine, Jesus Christ.

Click on the piano piece above or this link: In The Garden: 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? No matter what happens in life, God loves you and that is all that matters.

Hope becomes strong when we find a role that fulfills God’s purpose. This day with God, the lesson for me is that we need to worship and honor God; never believing that we can make it on our own. He is the ONE that can help us plan our day so that things will fall into place for an amazing day.

Life is a series of experiences that should teach us to trust in God when facing difficult times. Each experience develops the character we need to lead as we walk a clearer path to the future. If we pursue Godly wisdom, we will be more likely to know whose side to be on and listen to the right people. We will follow the right leader because we will listen to those with wholesome values and morals. Like a magnet attracting iron, we will attract treasures for the soul because the elements of God’s principles are at work in us.

Ezekiel 18 – 20 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Coming To Terms With Being The Prophets Wife (paradoxparables.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Christ, David, Ezekiel, God, Israel, Jerusalem, Jesus, religion & spirituality | Leave a comment

Ezekiel 18

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup

Today’s passage is a proverb advising us to do what is just and right because God wants what is best for His people. If we have done wrong, He wants us to have a new heart and new spirit.

List any videos you are reminded of as you read this passage. Here is a link to one for this reading: One Desire – Hillsong. Take a few minutes and either click the link or the video above. My hope is that it inspires you as you spend this day with God.

We have two great spiritual needs which Christ has purchased; forgiveness and goodness. As we journey through life, let this inspire us to go the distance and run the race the right way, the team way, and the victorious way.

This day with God, we can be thankful for the new covenant of grace. We are invited to come to Christ who has purchased righteousness for us. Today, I’m praying for purpose and devotion; to have the desire to be with God now and forever. I hope you too will make it a part of your prayer today.

Ezekiel 18 – 20 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
What the Bible Teaches About the Gifts of God (verticalviewer.wordpress.com)
Desiring God (missionalrev.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Christ, Christianity, Desire things of God, Ezekiel, God, Israel, Jesus, Prayer, religion & spirituality | Leave a comment

Ezekiel 18 – 20 Questions for Reflection

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Mark Shields

Image via Wikipedia

The questions below can be used to stimulate thought about the blocks of readings below :

Ezekiel 18
Passage Lookup

What is the meaning of the proverb? How does God analyze the problem and demonstrate his mercy and justice?

Ezekiel 19
Passage Lookup

What two metaphors are used of Israel? What changes have occurred in the nation? Why? How does a leader’s relationship with God affect a whole nation? Over what have you have lost hope recently? How have you tried to remedy the situation?

Ezekiel 20
Passage Lookup

What has God given Israel? For what purpose? What is God’s ultimate purpose for you? How do you know?

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A quiet time with God leads to effective action. After effective action, will be even more quiet reflection that will lead to even more effective action. The reading plan above can be used as a tool for daily Bible study at any place or any time. My hope is that the readings, questions above, and the experiences you have throughout this week allow you an opportunity to truly experience a deeper relationship with God. His principles never change. A daily devotional time using “This Day with God” devotional internalizes His guiding principles becoming an instrument which pushes one to focus on God in every activity throughout your day.

Ezekiel 16 – 17 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Bible, Bible Study, Christianity, Ezekiel, God, Israel, Jesus, religion & spirituality | 3 Comments

Ezekiel 17

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup

The reading today is a parable of the Jewish nation. I see one great Eagle as the king of Babylon and one as the king of Egypt. To me, the top of the cedar is the king of Judah. The seed of the land I see as the Spirit of God within His people and the fertile soil is the soul of His people.

The Jewish nation had a problem. How do they acquire a soul where good thoughts are planted in their souls so they are productive? When working toward the solution of a problem, it always helps to know the answer and God knows the answer; His grace is enough. Here’s a video I was reminded of as I read today’s passage.

Click on the video above or this link: Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher. Let the One who knows all be a part of your day. Use prayer to free up a future with new innovation, transformation, and a future that is on the cutting edge of everything. The businessman, philanthropist, and self-help book author W. Clement Stone once said that prayer is our greatest power.

Think about God and how He knows the answer. Go to Him in prayer today and ask for help. Believe this day with God will be amazing because you will ask and receive the help needed for your plans to fall in place.