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

Ezekiel 16:43-63

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Mark Shields

Billy Graham was once quoted to say, “When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost”. The environment we live in shapes our character so it’s important to control or neutralizes the negative influences in our life. Instead desiring to be surrounded with friends, family, and co-workers that encourage us in living the way we should.

In today’s reading of Ezekiel 16:43-63, Israel is portrayed as a mother with daughters who despised their husbands and children. They were arrogant, lacked self-control, and were unconcerned about helping the poor or needy. As we read the passage, warnings of God’s judgment is communicated but there is also a promise of mercy in gospel times where the law will be written in the heart.

God’s people can trust in God’s mercy and grace through Jesus Christ. 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. No matter what we may have done in the past, God loves us and gave His Son to die for us. We always have the chance to start over and wipe the past away; refreshed with God’s truth.

Click on the piano piece above. 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?

Ezekiel 16 – 17 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
In My Proud Days – Ezekiel 16:56 (dianneguthmuller.com)
Should we be more like Ezekiel? (4simpsons.wordpress.com)
John Wesley, Free Grace (basictheology.wordpress.com)
He Will Manifest His Victory In And Through Us!! Praise God!! (gospelbondservant.com)

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

Ezekiel 16:1-42

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup

This passage is a parable of an infant rescued from the elements by a traveler who educates and richly provides for the newborn’s needs. It speaks about the Jewish nation; prosperous but guilty of the most abandoned conduct and not responding with thankfulness for God’s kindness.

The lesson learned today is that there is no long term gain apart from God but there is a sure reward in God’s kindness through the gift of His Son. We should use the kind gift of God’s grace that flows like a never ending river to inspire us and help us respond to others with encouragement. We can take advantage of technology which enables us to have a bigger impact in today’s world in building each other up, growing in faith together, and praying for each other.

List any videos you are reminded of as you read this passage. Here is a link to one for this reading: Someone Cares: Inspirational Video Featuring Scott Krippayne. My hope is that it inspires you as you spend this day with God.

My prayer today is to accept God’s kindness and respond with praise and good works. To encourage, build up, and humbly pray for spiritual growth in everyone I know; communicating that no matter what happens in life, God loves them and that is all that matters.

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

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Christianity, Ezekiel, God, Israel, Jesus, Kindness, Prayer, religion & spirituality | Leave a comment

Ezekiel 16 – 17 Questions for Reflection

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Mark Shields

The questions below can be used to provide fuel for your thoughts as you study each reading below

Ezekiel 16:1-42
Passage Lookup

Describe the state of the baby in the story? Characterize the traveler’s kindness, provision and covenant with her. What nation does this parable speak about? Relate God’s love and anger.

Ezekiel 16:43-63
Passage Lookup

How is Israel portrayed here? Characterize her sisters. What are their attitudes and actions toward their husbands and children? Distinguish the covenant in the days of Israel’s youth and the everlasting covenant.

Ezekiel 17
Passage Lookup

From the parable, identify the eagles, the top of the cedar, the seed of the land and the fertile soil where it is planted (See 2 Kings 24:8 -25:7; 2 Chron. 36:9-14). What do you think are God’s purposes for your nation? To what extent is God involved in history today? Why?

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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. “This Day with God” devotional is a tool to provide an efficient and effective way to read God’s word so the lessons learned can be applied in every activity, every conversation, every problem, and even every thought of your day.

Ezekiel 13 – 15 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Bible Study, Christianity, Ezekiel, God, Israel, Jerusalem, Jesus, religion & spirituality | 4 Comments

Ezekiel 15

Posted on October 16, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup

The great quality of a vine is that it provides food for a fruit but a vine that is fruitless is useless. In reading Ezekiel 15, the lesson learned is that the people of Israel were valued by God because they could do His work and be a good example for others. Instead their fruitlessness demonstrated a bad example. A great quality of a person is to find out the way of God and going that way; saying “no” to mediocrity but saying “yes” to excellence.

There are so many lessons to be learned from businesses, from sports, science, and other disciplines. It’s so important to know what your strengths are and be confident. To know what others strengths are and to complement them. But of most importance is to lay claim to the One that unites us all and gives us the advantage needed to have true success. Within God’s Word are nuggets of gold; more than what is mined from earth.

Today, I’m praying to find these nuggets of gold and share with others. To know my strengths and share with others in an useful way. Things may not turn out exactly as I plan but God always has a better plan. I’m thinking about my failings of the past and now looking at them as stepping stones to a better future. As I look back, I’m thanking God for the lessons learned and for the chance to share these lessons with others.

Ezekiel 13 – 15 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Strength in Weakness, Weakness in Strength (richardburkey.wordpress.com)
Quietly – September 26, 2011 (jonathots.wordpress.com)
Turning energy, talent and passion into success (blogs.cisco.com)
Strategies for applying your strengths (web-workathome.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Bible, Christianity, Discover Strengths, Ezekiel, God, Israel, Israelites, Jesus, religion & spirituality | Leave a comment

Ezekiel 14

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup

Click on the piano piece below. 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?

We read in this passage today that idols possessed the inquiring elder’s heart and they preferred their own way and their own righteousness as the means to salvation. To get right with God, they needed to repent; turn from their idols and renounce their detestable practices. They needed to overcome their difficulty with faith, patience, and character by accepting defeat as a signal that their plans were not sound. They should’ve prayed to God for wisdom and yielded to His will.

God’s concern is for our well-being. He gave us Jesus Christ who removes the obstacles that keep us from Him. We simply need to believe Christ is Savior, build up our faith, pray, and be obedient. This day with God, make it a part of your prayer to receive a sound plan from God that will help Christians work together on this journey called life.