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

What a Friend We have in Jesus

Posted on October 13, 2013 by Mark Shields

Last weekend at the church I attend, we continued the sermon series “The Bible – A Story of God and All of Us”. Here is a link to a poem that was inspired by last week’s message: The Bible Invites Relationship.

The Bible is a relational book. We read about Jesus freeing the imprisoned, lifting up the fallen, and forgiving the unforgivable. We truly have a friend in Jesus and here is a video that highlights this thought: What a Friend We have in Jesus – Alan Jackson.

Today will be the final message of the sermon series “The Bible – A Story of God and All of Us” but at this link: Pastor’s Podcast, you can see/listen to the messages of the series. The outlines/movies and other material can also be used for Bible study or small group discussion.

There is one thing Christians all have in common and that is serving Communion. Last Sunday (10-6-2013) was world Communion Sunday. Let us continue to pray for our nation during this time of disunity. Let us be thankful for churches and small groups around the world that unify because of Christ.

The Bible Invites Victory (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Are You Praying the Wrong Prayer? (ourdailybread101.wordpress.com)
Hell Is For Real, My Friend! (pilgrimpassing.com)
The Blessed Saints (conmakhalira.wordpress.com)

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Alan Jackson., Bible Invites, friend in Jesus, Jesus, What a Friend We Have in Jesus | 2 Comments

True Counsel

Posted on October 12, 2013 by Mark Shields

As chronicled in 2 Chronicles 18:1-22, the King of Israel was Ahab who was corrupt and had surrounded himself with bad influences. On the other hand, Jehoshaphat wanted to make Judah steadfast for God’s ways and created programs in Judah that led to success. He had great wealth, prestige, and power as king of Judah. Ahab thought it would be advantageous to create an alliance with Jehoshaphat so he asked Jehoshaphat to join in a war against Ramoth Gilead.

Jehoshaphat says yes but with one stipulation; Ahab would need to seek the counsel of the Lord first (v. 4). Jehoshaphat knew about Ahab’s past and the spiritual decay that had taken place in his kingdom. Reading further, we find out that Ahab maintained a corps of 400 prophets who would prophesy only what Ahab wanted to happen rather than what God was going to make happen. Of course the prophets of Ahab predicted success for the king going to war against Ramoth Gilead but Micaiah was a prophet that had courage to go against the tide. In him, we find someone with purpose and a desire to go forward under fire.

This day with God, we can take a lesson from this passage that a leader should want to know the truth and accept the truth. There is a difference between what we want and what the Lord has planned. We can study and put what we learn into practice with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Photo Credit – http://southwatercommunitychurch.org.uk

Let us look in the right direction, ask the right questions, ask the right people, and go to the Lord in prayer. Prayer is our greatest power to help make good decisions and is crucial for success in life. Friends share secrets and God will share secrets with you my friend.

How Well Do You Take Advice? (thefaithfulpacesetters.wordpress.com)
Soothing seduction (holee0101.wordpress.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged Ahab, God, Jehoshaphat, Judah, king of Judah, Kingdom of Israel (Samaria), Lord, Micaiah, Ramoth Gilead | 1 Comment

Renewing the Ways Of the Lord

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Mark Shields

A growing faith in individuals sets in motion positive accomplishment for a society whereas lack of trust in the potential of individuals because of their lack of character gives power to the enemy. In reading 2 Chronicles 17, King Jehoshaphat renewed the ways of God to his kingdom. He initiated teaching programs to get his kingdom in alignment with what God wanted. His initiatives resulted in great power for his kingdom.

The lesson learned is to take the initiative in learning and teaching the ways of God so that in the process, momentum and strength is gained for society. It is a great adventure in studying, growing, and praying because there is not only personal achievement but achievement for your neighbor too. Eventually there is a ripple effect that results in better families, neighborhoods, communities, states, and nations. Take inspiration from today’s video: The Great Adventure – Steven Curtis Chapman.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31

Receiving from the Prophetic Grace – Part 2 (representers.wordpress.com)
Brokenness – God’s Purpose (menofredemption.wordpress.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged First Epistle to the Corinthians, God, Jehoshaphat, Jesus, King Jehoshaphat, Religion and Spirituality, Steven Curtis Chapman | 4 Comments

Programs Initiated

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – http://www.allaboutgod.net

Jehoshaphat carries out specific programs as recounted in 2 Chronicles 17. He stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and the towns of Ephraim (v. 2). He also removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah (v. 6). Then he sent his officials, Levites, and priests to teach throughout Judah the Book of the Law of the Lord (v. 9).

His purpose for initiating these programs was to make Judah resolute for God and His ways. He believed there was power in godliness and he wanted each individual to be educated in the ways of the Lord. If each individual followed the Lord, he believed his kingdom would flourish.

The chronicler records in this passage that the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he consulted with Him rather than idols. All the kingdoms surrounding Judah were afraid of Judah under the reign of Jehoshaphat because they felt the Lord was with him so they did not make war. Instead they brought gifts and Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful. He built forts and had large supplies in the towns of Judah. He also kept experienced fighting men in Jerusalem to protect the city (v. 13).

Reflecting on today’s passage, we can see how important it is to take the initiative in learning and teaching the ways of God. Each day, we can meet with God in prayer to plan out the day; gaining momentum and strength. Each day, we can set out to explore, dream, discover, and get away from the comfort zone in this adventure called life.

What do you do when you just don’t know what to do? (pastor-george.com)
A Dangerous Challenge – Sunday Thought For The Day (mychal-massie.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged Book of the Law of the Lord, Ephraim, God, Jehoshaphat, Jerusalem, Judah, Lord | Leave a comment

Faith in the Rock of Ages

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Mark Shields

Reading in 2 Chronicles 16, we should learn to rely not so much on what men can do but on what the Rock of Ages has done and will continue to do. Be connected to the source of everything good; His love is certain, His guidance is trustworthy, and His Word is timeless. With faith in God, we can move mountains like this video explains: Only a Mountain – Jason Castro.