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

Matthew 15:21-39

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Mark Shields

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The earthly reason of Jesus in God’s plan was to help people. That’s exactly what He did and continues to do now and into the future. Take a few minutes to look at this video: We are the Reason by Avalon. My hope is that this video gives inspiration as you spend this day with God.

In the passage today, Jesus heals the sick and miraculously feeds the people who follow Him. He shows compassion for those who were hungry. He shows us how to have faith that God will provide if we humbly go to Him in prayer.

As Disciples of Christ, our role is to do what Jesus did. Show compassion toward others, teach them about God and help them believe that God will provide for their needs in this life and the one to come. Only one is perfect but this One covers for all. We can’t attain perfection but if we study, try to emulate, and share with others about Jesus, the eventuality is excellence.

Today, I’m asking God to increase my faith, pardon my skepticism at times, and teach me to live upon His fullness and reward for all things pertaining to this life and the one to come.

Matthew 16 questions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Nobody and No “Thing”..Only Jesus (heatherdawkins.com)

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

Matthew 16 questions

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Mark Shields

Home bible study with the help of a bible teac...

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

Matthew 16:1-12
Passage Lookup
Of what does Jesus tell the disciples to beware? Why does Jesus rebuke the disciples for worrying about the lack of bread? What is their failure? What past examples of God’s provision are you forgetting in the needs of the moment?

Matthew 16:13-28
Passage Lookup
In what area is there still a major misunderstanding? What do the disciples have to look forward to?

Matthew 14-15 questions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
The Vulnerable Christ – Bible Study: Matthew 16, Mark 8 (hackingchristianity.net)
Jesus is a Leader (part 1) (christopherscottblog.typepad.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christianity, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, Jesus Christ, religion & spirituality | 4 Comments

Matthew 15:1-20

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Mark Shields

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Passage Lookup

One can know God’s law but most important is applying that law to their life. What degrades the law of God is when one says good things but does not follow through in their actions. The evangelist and publisher Dwight L. Moody once said, “A man ought to live so that everybody knows he is a Christian … and most of all, his family ought to know”.

Hearing God’s word is only the first step. Next is meshing what you believe to what you do by reflecting on God’s word to determine what needs to change and being disciplined to make the change happen. Today, I’m asking God to help me see changes I need to make and the discipline to chart a new course so that I can better apply His word.

Matthew 14-15 questions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christ, Christian, Christianity, Dwight L.Moody, Faith, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, religion & spirituality, Religion and Spirituality | Leave a comment

Matthew 14:22-36

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Mark Shields

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Passage Lookup

Even though we are physically separated from God, all we need to do is take the first step of faith by calling to Him during difficulties. Special supports are promised so we can be upheld by His power. Peter wanted to walk on water like Jesus but began to fall and Jesus stretched out his arm to help. The lack of faith displeases the Lord. Even in stormy days, He is a very present help.

My pastor Steve Ramsdell once made a point in a sermon that to thrive in faith there’s no need to ask a lot of questions; simply trust, obey, follow, and be ready to follow Jesus. To be blessed with other points made in sermons and thoughts to share with others, click this link: Sermon Podcast.

A step of faith begins as one concentrates on the strength of God’s promises instead of personal weaknesses… on the support God gives rather than sinking into the obis of worldly affairs. I pray that God continues to validate within you the beliefs that lead to greater faith; that you concentrate on God’s powers instead of personal weaknesses. With faith in God’s promises, what was thought to be impossible becomes possible.

Matthew 14-15 questions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christianity, Faith, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, Lord, Peter, religion & spirituality, Sermon | 1 Comment

Matthew 14:1-21

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Mark Shields

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Passage Lookup

The most important aspect of life is our relationship with God. My prayer is that you will be blessed by this video: Indescribable by Chris Tomlin. My hope is that God continues to validate within you the beliefs that He is big enough for all your needs.

As I read today’s passage, I noted that people didn’t react favorably to Jesus in His hometown because He lacked some of the prerequisites of a religious leader for them. He was not a person of education but a tradesman who criticized the pastors and elders of the community. He performed healings, taught about a new kingdom of God, and most didn’t feel comfortable calling Him a friend or brother.

Then, Jesus got the terrible news of the beheading of John the Baptist by Herod as a reward for a worthless dance. But, when faced with difficulty, Jesus kept on going as He healed the sick. Then He performed the miracle of turning five loaves of bread and two fish into a meal for five thousand.

The lesson for me in this reading today is to look for a need, determine available resources, and expect God to multiply them. During difficulties, His indescribable might will help climb obstacles, go through them, or work around them. In prayer today, I’m thinking about the resources God has given me to minister to others. I’m thankful for a few computer skills and the desire to help others apply biblical principles to their everyday lives.