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

The Golden Rule

Posted on January 11, 2018 by Mark Shields

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12

In the post “Loving Our Neighbor”, some ideas were discussed and the thought came out that if these ideas were applied in each person’s life, there would be no need for laws because no commandment would ever be broken.

For most of us the concept is easily understood but the application of it is extremely difficult. The key is to use the lessons from the Bible and follow the “Golden Rule” by letting love from the Father overflow from our heart to those we meet.^*

In many parts of society, hate has taken over but the song Love Take Me Over by Steven Curtis Chapman offers an idea to set things right.

Index of devotionals

Ramsdell, Steve. Sermon 8-12-2012. FUMC Waco*. Web. <http://fumcwaco.org>.

Posted in Devotionals, Love | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Encouragement, Justice, Love, Neighbor, Praise | 2 Comments

Loving Our Neighbor

Posted on January 10, 2018 by Mark Shields

Reading in Romans 13:8-14, highlighted is that love is related to justice because of concern for safety and property for all. If people truly loved like Paul discusses in this passage, there would be no need for laws because no commandment would ever be broken.

To love our neighbor as ourselves today, we have an example to follow in Christ who died on the Cross for us. This day with God, let us be concerned for the future of others and be the light of the world which God calls us to be. There is great power in loving one another as Christ loves us.

Some ideas for loving your neighbor as yourself today may include letting others know about God’s love for them. Encouraging them, appreciated what they do, and giving them a lift. Love your neighbor as yourself today by being concerned about their safety, their property, and their spiritual growth. Another idea is to unify with projects and neighborhood improvement tasks that build strong families.

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This day with You Lord, our mood is lifted by the positive affirmation You give us. Our concern for our neighbor began when we heard first about Your love for us and the sacrifice made for us on the cross. We have the perfect role model to follow and we can implement caring for others by studying, praying, and growing spiritually. We pray today that we use the lessons taught in today’s passage so that the love from You will overflow from our heart to those we meet today. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Love | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Encouragement, Justice, Love, Neighbor, Prayer | Leave a comment

Game Plan

Posted on January 9, 2018 by Mark Shields

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Written about in the post “Obligations and Duties” are some thoughts about conforming to the authority of those in leadership positions. Many of the ideas written in the U. S. constitution came from the principles found in the Bible and are an extension of God’s authority in a free society.

Players on sports teams have certain duties and obligations to their coach. A quarterback runs the play the coach wants even when pride tells them to run their own team. They must face up to the issue of obedience and accept that a coach high above in the press box can see things the quarterback does not see and has detailed information that the quarterback cannot possibly have access to at that moment in time. Instead, the quarterback is obedient and works together as a team to bring victory.

It’s not that much different in our Christian faith. Just as brought out in the song Solid As The Rock by Avalon, our Christian faith is built on a firm foundation with a game plan that can guide the way to a victorious finish in life.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Integrity | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Hope, Integrity, Neighborhoods, Praise, Society, Team, victory | Leave a comment

Obligations and Duties

Posted on January 8, 2018 by Mark Shields

Explained in Romans 13:1-7 is that people have obligations to civil authorities because God has established them and they are His servant so do right before them. It is God’s will that they are placed in the position and people should conform to their authority for they are an extension of God’s authority in relation to a society.

Many of the ideas of The U. S. constitution which is the supreme law of the land came from the principles found in the Bible and are an extension of God’s authority in a free society. Some may not respect the person in office but they must respect the office because the government was ordained by God. A person who refuses to obey authorities won’t obey God either.^*

Now if the man-made law is in conflict with the Law of God, a Christian must follow God. The attitude should be to use the proper channels in making things right and not agree to violence in retaliation. In other words, people that disagree with authorities can express their dissatisfaction in peaceful protest but the line is drawn when the expression crosses over into violence.

A nation cannot survive under corruption be it in our government, in our media, or in our businesses. So, it is up to each of us to fulfill our obligations and duties as a citizen. Organize neighbors that are close to God and willing to work on projects together for His purposes. Then our neighborhoods will bring more influence to civil authorities and to society as a whole.

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This day with You God, help us to live the way Jesus has taught. Sometimes things don’t line up in our society with Your way. Help us to work together so that things do begin to line up with the way you have laid out. Help us to use the proper channels in making things right. Help us to organize our neighbors so we have influence toward civil authorities and fulfill our obligations as a good citizen. Amen.

Nicholes, Lou. “Submit to Government.” Commentary » Romans 13:1-Romans 13:7 » Family-Times.net*. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 June 2017. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/romans-131/>.

Posted in Bible Study, Integrity | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Integrity, Neighborhoods, Prayer, Society | Leave a comment

The Week Ahead

Posted on January 7, 2018 by Mark Shields

This week, we will continue the study of the book of Romans and share more thoughts.

Below are some questions for reflection.

Romans 13:1-7
* What are your obligations to civil authorities (relate to 12:2)? In what ways are authorities an extension of God’s authority in relation to a society? What attitude should a Christian have if they are being punished wrongly?

Romans 13:8-14
* How is Love Related to justice (See 1-7)? If people ever truly loved like Paul discusses in this passage, would any commandment ever be broken? How will you love your neighbor as yourself today?

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

Victory starts by having a plan. By accepting God’s plan for us, all we need to do is follow and believe He will provide the power. He will give the upper hand to make what seems impossible possible.