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

There is a Reward for Growing in Faith

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Mark Shields

Ruins at Thyatira

Thyatira is located about 35 miles southeast of Pergamum in current day Turkey. Although the church there had some issues with a corrupt leader named Jezebel who enticed the people into adultery and other immoral sexual behavior, it was growing in faith as recorded in Revelation 2:18-29.

Reading further in the passage, a reward is promised if they continued their faith, their service, and perseverance. It is the same for us today. There will be a reward if we continue to grow spiritually because Christ brings goodness into the soul. He brings the light of grace and glory; there is enjoyment in His presence because He is Lord and Savior.

A bright future can be influenced by the present because of hope. This present hope affects current behavior as one strives to do what needs to be done, prays for direction, and works efficiently towards that bright future. This day with God will be amazing if we celebrate progress throughout the day by praising Him. If we think about the future reward with Him, are inspired to overcome the obstacles we face, and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion.

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Posted in Revelation, Rewards | Tagged Behavior, Christ, Church, determination, Direction, Enjoyment, enthusiasm, Faith, Future, Glory, Grace, Hope, Inspiration, Jezebel, Lord, Love, Obstacles, Pergamum, Perseverance, Praise, Prayer, Progress, Reward, Savior, Service, Soul, Thyatira | Leave a comment

Overcome by Using God’s Word

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Mark Shields

In the post Sharp Double-Edged Sword, I wrote that the church at Pergamum was in an environment in which idol worship was prevalent.

To overcome bad situations we are in, God’s Word can be a tool to help us get the upper hand by detecting mistakes of the past and being faithful to build solutions for the future.

Let us hope for and desire the treasures found by living in God’s Spirit. Here’s a video to inspire us towards this end: Overcomer – Mandisa.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Posted in Overcome Difficulty, Revelation | Tagged Blessings, double edged sword, God, God's Presence, God’s Word, Heart, Idol Worship, Jesus, Overcome Difficulty, Pergamum, Roman Empire, Upper Hand | Leave a comment

Sharp Double-Edged Sword

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Mark Shields

Pergamum is located about 55 miles north of Smyrna in what is today Turkey. At the time of writing Revelation 2:12-17, the city was under Roman rule and was a political center so many of the rulings affected Asia Minor.

Prevalent within the city was idol worship. In fact, within the city were three temples dedicated to the worship of the Roman emperor, another for the goddess Athena, and the Great Altar of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. Many scholars believe this altar mentioned in the book of Revelation is the “Throne of Satan”.

We become like those we associate. That’s why what we read, watch, and listen to is so important. God hates sin and it separates us from His blessings but because of Jesus who paid the price for that sin, we are able to be in a His presence. Jesus told the believers at Pergamum that He has the sharp double-edged sword to take care of the faithful (v. 12).

God’s word is the sword that can divide or make a distinction between things we generally think of as being closely related or indistinguishable. For example: what is the difference between a person’s thoughts and their intent? God’s Word can also penetrate to the heart of a person and cause change.

This day with God will be amazing because we can go to God with our needs or challenges and He will bless us with the strength to overcome.

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Posted in Overcome Difficulty, Revelation | Tagged Blessings, double edged sword, God, God's Presence, Idol Worship, Jesus, Overcome Difficulty, Pergamum, Roman Empire, Smyrna, Turkey | 3 Comments

Sermon Outline – What Makes an Awesome Mom?

Posted on May 11, 2014 by Mark Shields

This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey

Moms are always honored in the Bible. They matter because they have such an awesome capacity to bless their little ones and to continue to bless them as they grow into adults to become parents themselves. I liked the funny Mothers Day card examples Pastor Steve read. One card said, “Mom, take it easy today. Lay on the couch and rest. Be like Dad for a day”.

Below is the outline from the sermon message. One idea might be to use this outline or write notes from your church’s sermon message and go through them in a small group. Sermon outlines can also be used if you get together with an accountability partner or with a small Bible Study group. You are welcome to view podcast of sermons at this Link.

AN AWESOME EXAMPLE

“Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” John 13:34b (NLT)

“And…

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Week in Review – Revelation 2:1-11

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Mark Shields

This week, I have posting some thoughts from Revelation 2:1-11; that Christ was telling the church at Ephesus the need for more passion in their ministry. Here is a link to a poem with this in mind: Delight Yourself in the LORD.

The early Christian church faced persecution but hope in Christ brought them the courage needed to stand up to their fear. Here is a link to another poem inspired by this week in review: Inhale Courage.

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