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

Ezekiel 6

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Mark Shields

Image by alancleaver_2000 via Flickr

In today’s reading, the people worshiped their idols in the hills of Israel. This had been a holy place but now the area was polluted with idol worship. God’s judgment shows us the worth He gives to our souls so we understand the value of the gift of Jesus. A price was paid for sin so that God can be with us and never let us go.

A lesson to be learned from this passage is to use our time wisely. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that we should guard well spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life. My hope is that I take this lesson learned today and invest it wisely for the future.

In confusing times, we should affirm our faith by believing God has a purpose for each of us. We should be patient, continue to be ready at all times, and use the gift of time wisely by employing spare moments to learn more about Him.

This Day with God, I’m praying that He continues to validate within me the beliefs that lead me to better use of time. Today, I’m praying that I value my time and guard spare moments so they are used wisely in building a useful life. I hope you will make it a part of your prayer also.

Ezekiel 4-6 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Christianity, Ezekiel, God, Israel, Jerusalem, Jesus, Prayer, Ralph Waldo Emerson | Leave a comment

Ezekiel 5

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup

God favored Jerusalem but the people didn’t pay attention to Him or follow His principles. Instead, they followed idols, superstitions, and evil. Because of this, Ezekiel warned that God would take vengeance with multitudes perishing by famine and pestilence; others slain by the sword. Jerusalem would be destroyed by the Chaldeans and those still alive would scatter to other countries.

The lesson learned in this passage is that we should look through the prism of God’s principles. This point was also brought out in a sermon once at my church when my Pastor said we should observe people living by God’s principles and find ways to share lessons learned; coming up with ideas that can help everyone live better lives. For other points made within sermons, be sure to click this link: Sermon Podcast.

This day with God, my thoughts are about the importance of putting our attention on Him and accepting the teachings of our Redeemer in all things. Jesus is at the center of everything in the Bible and is in the business of forgiving sin, removing guilt, and changing people from the inside out. By focusing our attention on the anchor of our faith, our attitudes and actions change; developing unconscious yet consistent patterns that daily express our character.

Ezekiel 4-6 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Bible, Christianity, Ezekiel, fellowship, God, Jerusalem, Jesus, religion & spirituality, Sermon | Leave a comment

Ezekiel 4

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup

Ezekiel uses symbolism to get attention. He demonstrates the siege and length of punishment to those already in exile so they will know what it will take to persist throughout. It’s important when under siege by the enemy to have a plan and specific actions to take for freedom.

Taking action gives others an example to follow and communicates much more effective than just telling them what to do. It also inspires others to greater achievement. Spend a few minutes taking a look at this video: What Can I Do by Paul Baloche.

Today, purposefully look for God in nature, music, sports, movies, at the golf course, work, the shopping center, and in His people. Document what you see. Collect facts, quotes, and personal thoughts from your experiences. The purpose is to develop a system that highlights the building blocks of Christianity and that can be used as a tool to help focus more on God and step ahead.

It’s important to have a 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.

Ezekiel 4-6 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
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A New Heart and Spirit (gladlylistening.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Christianity, Ezekiel, Faith, God, Holy Spirit, Israel, Jesus, Paul Baloche, religion & spirituality | Leave a comment

Ezekiel 4-6 Questions for Reflection

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Mark Shields

Image by Jordi Marcé via Flickr

Make use of the questions below as you study each reading below:

Ezekiel 4
Passage Lookup

Why is it necessary to demonstrate siege and length of punishment to people already in exile? Why do you think Ezekiel uses symbolism instead of direct interpretation? What plan and specific action has been laid out in current times for our freedom?

Ezekiel 5
Passage Lookup

What will happen to the inhabitants of Jerusalem? Why? How have they responded to God’s favors?

Ezekiel 6
Passage Lookup

What has taken place in the hills of Israel? How does God try to make plain the foolishness of false objects of worship? What is the purpose of God’s judgment?

Share with us those amazing moments of your past or present by responding with a note or comment about any of these questions. Also, share with us any favorite inspirational videos, photos, sermon thoughts, or favorite Bible verses.

Why put off living? Instead of dreaming of some magical day in the future, enjoy the amazing things that happen right now by spending this day with God!

Ezekiel 1-3 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Chapters and verses of the Bible, Christianity, Ezekiel, God, Holy Spirit, Israel, Jerusalem, religion & spirituality | 6 Comments

Ezekiel 3:16-27

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Mark Shields

Image via Wikipedia

Passage Lookup

Ezekiel finds comfort in knowing that God is with him to give instructions; to take His directives and speak His words. We can also speak God’s words. There are different ways to speak them. It may be in how you care for others, how you say a kind word, listen to someone, or mentor a young person.

We should live like we care about others and not sit around waiting for someone else to do what we can do. There’s a song called “I Refuse” by Josh Wilson that I’m reminded of as I think about today’s passage. Here’s the link: I Refuse by Josh Wilson. My hope is that you will refuse not to move after seeing this video and that it inspires as you spend this day with God.

You are never alone because God will always be with you. No task is greater than God’s power to help accomplish it so start speaking God’s words by doing small things in a great way. God sees you as uniquely capable to say what needs to be said, show what needs to be shown, and share what needs to be shared.

This day with God, I’m praying for initiative to speak God’s words in what I do. I’m praying that I refuse not to move and I hope it’s a part of your prayer too.