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

Matthew 8:18-34

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Mark Shields

Questions for Reflection

When have you been convinced of the supernatural power of God? What has been your response?

I hope God will bless your day and continue to validate within you the beliefs that bring you to devotion. In today’s passage, we get to read about how Jesus continues to perform miracles and provide inspiration. He’s big enough to encourage confidence and comfort; calming our most stormy days of doubt and fear. Think about fears you are facing now or that you have faced in the past. Remember times that God has helped.

When entering uncharted territory, here are some points taken from a sermon of my Pastor Steve Ramsdell that we can apply: Give up control, expect God’s blessings, confront life’s storms, trust in His plan, depend on God, and plug into His power.

Think about fears or difficulty you are facing now and understand that you don’t have to go through anything alone. Let God know that you have confidence in Him. Pray for a plan and the will to execute the plan with His help. Progress multiplies beyond even the effort put in when God is leading and we are responding collectively as empowered believers to fulfill His purpose.

Matthew 8-9 questions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

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

Matthew 8:1-17

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage – Read or Listen

Account for Jesus’ fame (See 4:24-25)? What does the centurion understand about Jesus’ authority?

In these verses we are given examples of the divine power and the full command that Jesus has in healing disease. Crowds began to flock to be in the presence of Jesus. Today, the fame of Jesus continues. There are miracles still taking place all over the world today as the Holy Spirit empowers God’s people.

Have you made a phone call recently to get help with a question you have on a bill or a product you just bought? Most companies have gone to a menu procedure like dial one for billing questions, two for technical support, etc. When I make a call to a company for help, I want to talk to a real person; not some automated system. My problem is always unique and not listed as a part of the numbers to call. With Jesus, we have a personal friend to work out our unique problem.

List any videos you are reminded of as you read this passage. Here is a link to one for this reading. I hope you receive inspiration from this video. With Jesus, we have a personal friend to help with any difficulty in life: All creatures of our God and King – David Crowder.

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Today, I’m praying for crowds to flock to churches to hear about the miracles still taking place all over the world today as the Holy Spirit empowers God’s people. I’m praying for boldness in being a part of or in having the ability to point out these current day wonders to others.

Matthew 8-9 questions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christ, Christianity, Evangelism, God, Gospel of Matthew, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Religion and Spirituality | Leave a comment

Matthew 8-9 questions

Posted on July 10, 2011 by Mark Shields

Jesus is considered by scholars such as Weber ...

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Questions for Reflection:

Matthew 8 – Read or Listen

Matthew 8:1-17
Account for Jesus’ fame (See 4:24-25)? What does the centurion
understand about Jesus’ authority?

Matthew 8:18-34
When have you been convinced of the supernatural power of God?
What has been your response?

Matthew 9 – Read or Listen

Matthew 9:1-8
How would you answer Jesus’ question in verse 5? Does the crowd
think Jesus is blaspheming?

Matthew 9:9-17
Describe rapport between Jesus and sinners. Why is this possible?
Is your situation old or new? Why? How do you handle it?

Matthew 9:18-38
In what terms do the people approach Jesus in this passage and
state their requests? How would you approach Jesus if you needed healing? Why?

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christ Jesus, Christianity, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, Religion and Spirituality | 9 Comments

Lamentations 5

Posted on July 8, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage – Read or Listen

Account for the Lord’s rejection and restoration of Israel. How have you been restored and renewed?

Remember Israel’s inheritance was land flowing with milk and honey; the Promised Land that Moses led them to. Because of the sins of the past and present generations, they are now hungry; there are political, moral, economic, and emotional disruptions. They were taken captive by Assyria and many fled to Egypt.

What can we learn from this passage? One lesson is that there is a solution; to get down on our knees and pray. Ask God to help get the situation turned around. Unpack God’s word, change the heart, change thinking, and change actions. A combination of these will keep us growing in our faith to win spiritual battles.

Here is a link to a video: We Are More Than Champions – Apologetix. It is a parody of the song “We are the Champions” by the British rock band Queen for their 1977 album News of the World. The best news for us today is that there is victory in Christ Jesus. Like David defeating Goliath, with God’s help, we conquer death with the help of Jesus.

Think about experiences in your past when you needed to be restored and renewed. Difficulty can be a learning experience and a turning point if one is humble enough to ask God for the right plan and the ability to execute the plan that will turn things around. Be thankful in prayer today for Jesus Christ dying on the cross to restore and renew us.

Lamentations 4-5 questions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Lamentations | Tagged Assyria, Christ, Christ Jesus, God, Israel, Jesus, Moses | Leave a comment

Lamentations 4

Posted on July 5, 2011 by Mark Shields

Passage – Read or Listen

Contrast the before and after conditions of Zion. How powerful and safe do you consider your nation? Why? What do verses 17-20 add to the account of the conditions of the poor people left in Jerusalem (See verse Jeremiah 39:10) and those who try to escape?

In this reading, the former prosperity of Israel is contrasted with their present misery. Think about how valuable the grace in Christ Jesus is now and in the future. Riches of this world fade away but grace in Christ is of constant high value so desire to be where the Lord is and finish with the ultimate prize; hearing the words well done my faithful servant.

My pastor Steve Ramsdell made this point once in a sermon: if the things of God are your treasure, then you have all things. What drives you toward God? Why do we not ask God more often for help? Think of the possibilities if we went to Him more.

Please receive this Word from God today and put a high value on the reward of God’s grace in Christ Jesus. Pray for devotion and commitment to this sure reward.