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

Pray For Help

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – firstbaptistglennsferry.com

Reading in 2 Chronicles 16, Baasha king of Israel became a new threat to Judah so Asa went to Ben-Hadad king of Aram for help. Asa’s actions differ from his previous policies because he had more faith in a person rather than in God. His misplaced confidence results in weakness and constant war. The right choice would have been to pray for God’s help.

Later in his reign, Asa demonstrates a lack of faith in God and never corrected course. He put his confidence in a man rather than the proven power and goodness of God. Also with health issues, his faith was with the physicians and not with God. A disease of his feet afflicted him at the end of his life but he never sought God’s help for healing.

The right choice is to always rely on God who strengthens those that have faith in Him. Remember the little train that said, “I think I can”. With faith we can say, “I know I can”. Many things in life are hard to understand but like turning on a light switch, know that faith just works so turn it on and it will light your way. Stay focused on the path and on God’s promises for everything to turn out all right.

This day with God, acquire faith with prayer and rely on His power to strengthen you. Pray for your walk and if there is a misstep, go to Him to make it right.

Man’s Reliance On God Is For God’s Glory, Part 1of2, Evans Olang (magnifyhisword.wordpress.com)
Find Victory in Your Life (prayercommunicationwithgod.wordpress.com)
The ONE Who Created Us Can Help Win Battles (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged Asa, Asa of Judah, Baasha of Israel, Faith, faith in God, God, God’s help, Israel, Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Chronicles 16-19

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Mark Shields

The recent study using questions for reflection of 2 Chronicles 11-15 was finished yesterday and this study has been the main inspiration for the following poems along the way:

Fortified with His Word
Be lifted to New Heights of Accomplishment

The next part of the travel will take me to 2 Chronicles 16-19. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about the journey and will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.

Photo Credit – http://jenniferbridge.wordpress.com/

2 Chronicles 16
In what way do Asa’s actions in verses 2-3 differ from his policies in chapter 14 and 15? When was the last time you realized you had disobeyed God on some point? How long did it take you to make it right?

2 Chronicles 17
What specific programs does Jehoshaphat carry out as king? What is the chronicler’s evaluation of Jehoshaphat and his reign? What is the source of the prestige and power Judah develops among the surrounding lands?

2 Chronicles 18:1-22
Why would an alliance with Jehoshaphat be advantageous for Ahab at this point? Why do you think Jehoshaphat responds as he does to Ahab’s request? Why does Ahab maintain a corps of 400 prophets?

2 Chronicles 18:23-34
What seems to be Micaiah’s chief aim in life? Is he successful in achieving it? What is your chief aim in life?

2 Chronicles 19
What basic attitude does Jehoshaphat have which prompts the statement “some good is found in you” (v. 3)? What additional responsibility is given the judges in order to prevent the system from becoming sterile and legalistic (v. 10)? What is to be their attitude toward their job? What attitude do you have toward your work?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times

Seeking God Through Prayer (altruistico.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Chronicles 11-15 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged 2 chronicles, Ahab, Bible, Chapters and verses of the Bible, Christ, Jehoshaphat, Jesus | 2 Comments

The Bible Invites Victory

Posted on October 6, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – http://www.vcop.ca/

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

Also, at this link: Pastor’s Podcast, you can see/listen to the messages of the series. The outlines/movies and other material can be used for Bible study or small group discussion.

Here is a link to a video from last week’s sermon: Daniel Interprets Dream. The outline of today’s message is at this link: The Bible Invites Relationship.

This or That (thewell.substancechurch.com)
To Preach Is To Make War on the Human Heart (gralefrit.wordpress.com)
Biblical Bible Study: How does the Bible say we should study the Bible? (dustinanderson717.wordpress.com)

Posted in Sermon Outline, Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Bible, Bible Invites, Bible Study, Christianity, Daniel Interprets Dream, God, Pastoral Resources, Religion and Spirituality, Sermon, Study Bible, The Bible | 3 Comments

Putting Our Thoughts on Him

Posted on October 5, 2013 by Mark Shields

God speaks through His Word and we can learn lessons to live by if we listen. There are also songs, pictures, and personal experiences that help us to put our thoughts on Him. Seek God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Discover lessons found in the Word and share lessons of life. A song that emphasizes this is Love the Lord – Lincoln Brewster.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

“God Still Speaks” (iamnotashamedofthegospelofchrist.com)
Spirit of Optimism (whyjesusministries.wordpress.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged Christianity, Epistle to the Hebrews, Evangelism, God, Jesus, personal experiences, Religion and Spirituality, Saint, share lessons, Word | 6 Comments

Seeking Him with All Our Heart and Soul

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – livelovegod.wordpress.com

There are reforms king Asa undertakes in the spiritual life of his kingdom as written in 2 Chronicles 15. He removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the towns he had captured in the hills of Ephraim. He repaired the altar of the Lord that was in front of the portico of the Lord’s temple (v. 8). All the people entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul (v. 12).

It takes courage to change but with assistance and acceptance from God, we can gain confidence. We can offer our praises and be devoted to Him; love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. In order to endure, focus on Jesus, keep your eyes on the cross, and on the heavenly reward.

This day with God, spend a few minutes in silence, putting away the cares and concerns and noise of the day, listening for the Holy Spirit. We can stay focused on God’s presence. God is not distant but near. Click on the Internet through your laptop or phone and be reminded of this amazing truth throughout your day.