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

Matthew 17:14-27

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Mark Shields

As we go further into Matthew 17, Jesus teaches how important words can be. He is irritated with the disciples for their lack of faith and tries to set them straight with stern words that get their attention; so much so that they consult with Jesus privately.
He encourages them to understand the power they have. Later in this reading, Jesus is concerned about using words that might be considered offensive to the tax collector when asked to pay a tax.

Today, I’m thinking about how important it is to choose the right words in my relationships at work and at home; knowing how to use tact rather than give offense. Words are used to give direction or teach. Using the correct words at the right time is a mental virtue which stimulates growth and engenders maximized potential. My pastor Steve Ramsdell once said in a sermon that words are so important because they direct your life. Even a small child can direct a powerful horse with the small bit in his mouth.

Today, I will give some thought into ways I can apply this lesson that Jesus teaches. I’m asking in prayer for understanding and the ability to apply this virtue in my daily life.

Questions for Matthew 17-18 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christianity, God, Gospel of Matthew, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Pharisee, religion & spirituality | Leave a comment

Matthew 17:1-13

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Mark Shields

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Passage Lookup

As we journey into Matthew 17, we read that the face of Jesus shined with Divine majesty, Moses appeared, Elijah appeared, God spoke from heaven, and all confirmed their faith in Jesus. The event in today’s reading will serve the purpose of supporting the faith of the disciples at the time of crucifixion and add to the overwhelming evidence that Jesus is the Messiah talked about throughout history; overcoming death and giving everlasting life to all that believe.

I hope God will bless your day and continue to validate within you the beliefs that bring you to knowing that this day with Him will be amazing. My prayer is that you will be blessed by this video: Indescribable by Chris Tomlin.

How big is our universe? Well, I once heard someone put it this way: Our Creator made a universe so large it would take a car travelling 100 mph 29 million years to reach the nearest star. I don’t know about you, but it inspires me to know that our God is that amazing and I hope it inspires you also.

As we go about our business of this day, let us continue to be inspired and be ready to share about Christ with others. Let us be thankful in prayer that we have received the Counselor who lifts us to new heights. Let us be thankful that we know Christ and therefore have access to the power of an indescribable, uncontainable, amazing God.

Questions for Matthew 17-18 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Chris Tomlin, Christ, Christianity, Elijah, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, Moses | Leave a comment

Questions for Matthew 17-18

Posted on September 4, 2011 by Mark Shields

Questions for Reflection:

Matthew 17:1-13
Passage Lookup

What is the same or what is different about this event and the event in Exodus 34:29-35? What do you think is the primary purpose of the visit?

Matthew 17:14-27
Passage Lookup

As you read, pay close attention to Jesus’ words when he talks to the disciples who were powerless to help the man’s son. Were they stern words or words carefully crafted to not bring offense? Then focus on the words used by Jesus when they had to pay the tax? Were the words defiant or more conciliatory?

Matthew 18:1-14
Passage Lookup

How do verses 10-14 reflect the other side of verses 5-9? How can you show Jesus’ concern for a straying member of the kingdom?

Matthew 18:15-35
Passage Lookup

What should be your efforts in solving interpersonal problems? Why is forgiveness so important to the Christian community? What are the consequences of failing to forgive our brothers or sisters? Why?

This Day with God will be amazing! 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.

Matthew 16 questions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Matthew 14-15 questions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Matthew 8-9 questions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Matthew 11-12 questions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Matthew 10 questions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Matthew 13 questions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christianity, Christianity for Seekers, Evangelism, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, religion & spirituality | 7 Comments

Matthew 16:13-28

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup

Peter understood who Jesus is but there was a misunderstanding as to the true reward which is not of this world but everlasting happiness in heaven. All worldly things put together are of little value compared to a life with God. There is much to be lost in this world as we go through life like losing loved ones, losing friends, or jobs but once a soul has been given the key to the kingdom of heaven in Christ, they finally make it home where all that was lost is found plus even more. There is video that reminds us what we have to look forward to: Finally Made it Home by MercyMe.

All the riches in the world do not compare to the riches gained when saved by the King of kings! Knowing God gives direction and peace with a reward beyond the wildest of dreams. Today, as we say our prayers, let us learn to value our souls above anything else and to see Christ as the Savior of them.

Matthew 16 questions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
You go to God for what you can get, for what you gain… (andrewejenkins.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christ, Christianity, Evangelism, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, religion & spirituality | Leave a comment

Matthew 16:1-12

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Mark Shields

Image via Wikipedia

Passage Lookup

As we journey into this passage, we read about some dissension among the disciples because they forgot to bring food as they crossed the lake. Jesus told them to be more concerned about the lack of food from the Pharisees and Sadducees. The disciples didn’t get the lesson Jesus was trying to teach and rebukes them for their lack of faith. What He was trying to get them to focus on was to be on guard about the false teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus had recently fed the five thousand with five loaves and the four thousand with seven loaves. He scolds the disciples because they had so little faith.

The lessons Jesus taught to the disciples continue to be applicable to us today. My pastor, Steve Ramsdell said in a sermon once that we should focus on the lessons learned from the Bible. They are like the plays that a quarterback has on his wrist band. As we go through each day, we can practice these lessons, internalize them, and live an effective life.

I hope God blesses your day and continues to validate within you the beliefs that bring you to devotion. That He continues to help you learn from the Spirit of wisdom in the heart where the mysteries of the universe are written and through its understanding come enlightenment of God’s permanent principles.

Today, I’m praying for attention to what’s really important. Not on things that really don’t matter that much but on what Jesus teaches in the verses read today; that the one thing that really matters is my relationship with the Lord.