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

The Antidote to Intimidation

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Mark Shields

The Assyrians were taunting the people of Judah as written about in yesterday’s post. It was found out that Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah had the antidote to this intimidation. They cried out in prayer to heaven to combat these taunts. Then the Lord sent an angel to annihilate all the fighting men, leaders, and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. Then the king of the Assyrians withdrew to his own land in disgrace.

Prayer is a great weapon to combat our enemies. It is available to us as a great power that can rescue us in our time of need as our actions conquer fear and as we stand up for what is right and good. The Word also encourages and emboldens to help us never give up. We are confident because we know the angels are near and we listen to the quiet voice saying, “Today we will surely succeed but if for some reason another day is needed, we’ll be able to try again tomorrow”.

Here’s a song to build confidence for our day: The Rescue – Adam Cappa. God bless! 🙂

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6

The Legacy Of Trust (alvingohsh.wordpress.com)
When It Seems Hopeless (withintheholyspirit.wordpress.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged Adam Cappa, Assyrian, Books of Chronicles, God, Hezekiah, Kingdom of Judah, List of Assyrian kings, Lord, prophet Isaiah | 3 Comments

Giving Confidence

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Mark Shields

In reading 2 Chronicles 31:1 – 32:1-23, Hezekiah did what was good, right, and faithful throughout Judah. The priests and Levites were assigned duties such as presenting burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, to minister, to give thanks and sing praises at the gates of the Lord’s dwelling (V. 31:2).

Hezekiah took some strategic measures to protect Jerusalem from invasion by Assyria. He also gave the people confidence because he explained that God was with them. Leaders of today could learn from Hezekiah’s example of understanding that fears can be overcome when there is a desire to do what’s right and give their followers assurance that God is there to help.

Reading further, we see that enemies of Jerusalem tried to destroy their confidence. Messages were sent by Sennacherib king of Assyria to Hezekiah and all the people of Judah saying that God would not protect them. He went on to say that the other nations had not been protected by their gods and that the God of Israel would not protect them. These were propaganda messages explaining that Hezekiah was lying to his people about the power of the God of Israel.

To combat the taunts of the Assyrians, Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah cried out in prayer to heaven. And the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the leaders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So the Assyrian king withdrew to his own land in disgrace. Later, when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons cut him down with the sword (V. 32:21).

Photo Credit – Google Images

This day, have confidence because God like a mountain stands rock solid over time and protects us in our time of need. We can take courage, for God is there for us.

Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Chronicles 31-36 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Are your prayers big enough? (petitebouchee.wordpress.com)
Firm Foundation (honeylynbadong.wordpress.com)
Micah of Moresheth-Gath (graceofourlord.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged Assyria, Assyrian, Books of Chronicles, God, Hezekiah, Jerusalem, Levite, Lord, Sennacherib | 5 Comments

Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Chronicles 31-36

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Mark Shields

The recent study using questions for reflection for study of 2 Chronicles 25-30 has been completed as I continued to use questions to help guide my journey through the book of 2 Chronicles. My posts have been about both good and bad kings. Some sought advantage through their army but they lacked to comprehend the guaranteed strength and security of being disciplined in the ways of God. A leader of a family, organization, or nation benefits by understand the power of God to give advantage.

King Uzziah prospered when he sought God but pride would lead to his downfall. It is faith that provides a balance. It assures a positive future during difficulties and humility during good times. Over the course of a lifetime, commitment to the path of God builds faith and momentum grows when we continue to walk in the light as we trust, obey, and follow.

Staying focused on God’s presence is so important. King Ahaz worshiped idols and promoted evil and his actions resulted in troubling times. Rather than focusing on God, he became even more unfaithful and this lead to his further decline. The lesson is to expect God’s presence all the time. He’s present when we read, study, and pray but He’s also present with us at all times. Even when we drink a cup of coffee on the back porch in the fresh breeze as the warm, golden sunshine warms our face.

It all begins with God. Bring things before Him and everything has a way of falling into place. Put the things of God as the number one priority and we are well on our way to producing successful outcomes. I discovered this viewpoint in the study of the next king named Hezekiah as recorded in 2 Chronicles 29 who was to open the doors of the Temple of the Lord and repair them (v. 3).

During the time of Hezekiah, the temple had to be repaired and made Holy. In the New Testament, we learn that we are a Spiritual Temple in 1 Corinthians 3:16 “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you”?

Because of Jesus, we are the temple and the journey with Jesus begins with a decision; a decision to grow and pray. It is a great adventure that can make a difference for a long time. We must refuse to give up, continue to work, to pray, to think, to believe, and to share with others. What we share may not sink in at first but we must keep sharing anyway and some day, what we share like seeds will take root. There will be growth, health, and a flower will blossom for the world to see.

Another lesson learned in the study is to refuse not to move. Instead we must invite and encourage. Leaders can make a big difference when they show respect to their people and support opportunities for spiritual nourishment. One example to follow is Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 30:18-22 who prayed for others and offered encouragement.

The next part of the travel will take me to 2 Chronicles 31-36. 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 from Google Images

2 Chronicles 31:1 – 32:1-23
What duties are assigned the priests and Levites? What is Hezekiah’s chief goal? What does he do to give the people confidence?

2 Chronicles 32:24 – 33:25
One is never too spiritual to fall into pride or materialism. Evaluate your own attitudes and goals at present. List the specific abuses and wrongdoings of which Manasseh is guilty. What indication do you find that Manasseh learns something from this experience? What steps can you take today in order to live in a way that will help and not damage those around you?

2 Chronicles 34
What element of Josiah’s character results in his ruling so differently from his father and grandfather? The king had a strong influence over the people. Are you in any position of leadership where you can exert influence for God?

2 Chronicles 35-36
What reason could Josiah have for wanting to fight with the king of Egypt? How important is it to you that you are obeying God’s commandments and walking before him day by day?

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

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged 2 chronicles, Ahaz, Books of Chronicles, God, Hezekiah, Jesus, New Testament, Uzziah | 9 Comments

The Sharp Double-Edged Sword

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Mark Shields

English: Ken_double_edge_straight_sword_Kofun_period_5th_century (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We face a war between the forces of good and evil in our daily living. Think of the entertainment industry. Here’s a post from Proverbial Thought about the conflict we constantly have to contend with in a society that praises vulgarity, violence, and vice.

We do not go alone so never fear. Trust in God in rainy days or the heat of a pressure filled day or whatever each day brings. Don’t be shaken. God’s Word is like a sword to protect us against the enemy.

To sharpen this sword as we battle each day, I think it’s important to reflect, meditate on, and memorize the Word. As I reflected on the passages I studied this past week, there are two poems at the links below that were inspired and my hope is that they help affirm the need for prayer and to encourage each other:
Where Everything Begins
Invite and Encourage

Have a blessed weekend my friends!

Double-Edged Sword (scottishmomus.wordpress.com)
The Double Edged Sword Called ‘Dialogue’ (mrsanonymouslymarried.wordpress.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles, Bible Study, Devotionals, Poems | Tagged Business, History, Organizations, Recreation, Religion and Spirituality, Sword, United States, Word | 10 Comments

Worship Service Update – 11/15/2013

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Mark Shields

This weekend, we will continue the sermon series “First” at the church I attend. The sermon title is “First, Guard Your Heart”. At this link: Pastor’s Podcast, you can see/listen to the messages of the series. You may also consider using the outlines, messages, and other material for Bible study or small group discussion.

Last week’s message was titled “First, Be Faithful”. A main thought from the message is the need to apply what we believe. If we believe that our Creator has made each of us with certain qualities or talents and we each apply them, then God will generously bring the increase.

Main points from the message

Pastor Steve presented that we should first be faithful in earning all we can. We all are wonderfully made by God who provides us with skills and talents. He wants us to prosper.

Next, he presented to us the need to be faithful in saving all we can. The more we have, the more we can invest in doing what’s good for society.

The next point was about being faithful in giving all we can. This past Monday was Veterans Day. We can all be thankful for the sacrifice made by all current and past service members who always give it their all to make us safe.

The last point made by Pastor Steve was the need to be faithful in trusting all we can. In John 6:1-14 we are told about God’s pattern of generosity and miracles when Jesus feeds a crowd of five thousand who had gathered around Him. With five loaves of bread and two fish, He fed each person and still had some left over. The key is to live within our means and understand that even with a small gift, Jesus can multiply and provide in abundance.

Have a blessed weekend and enjoy this video: Speak Life – Toby Mac.