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

The Time We Spend with God is of Essence

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – carolecgood.com

Yesterday, I shared this link to the Sermon Podcast at the church I attend. A point I noted from the message titled “Awe Factor” is that the time we spend with God is of essence. Studying His Word, reflecting on how to apply His Word, and time with Him in prayer brings power and direction in life.

When we put God first, the other things in life like family, children, health, and friends seem to fall into place. Here’s a video with a philosophy about how we use our time: The empty pickle jar.

Time goes fast so share the right words now; mark another’s life now, build relationships now, make memories now, and spend time with those you love now.

Thoughts on prayer… and using formulas that don’t work for me… (andrewejenkins.wordpress.com)
Treasure and Pearls (eddieknight.us)

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Christianity, Church, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Lord, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality, spirituality, Word | 14 Comments

Awe Factor

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – squidoo.com

If you are not able to attend your local church service today (health condition, vacation, overseas in military, etc), I invite you to a podcast of the church I attend. This morning, we continue the sermon series called “Wisdom for Life”. At this link: Pastor’s Podcast, you can watch/listen to each message at any time or place.

On Sunday mornings right around 9:45 AM Central Time Zone, you can catch the sermon message live. The library of sermons can also be used as material for Bible study or small group discussion. Here is the outline of the message for today’s message “Awe Factor”.

Kids Taking Sermon Notes (sermonnotesforkids.com)
Live Smart (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Sermon Outline | Tagged Bible, Bible Study, Church service, group discussion, Message, Podcast, Sermon, sermon notes, sermon series, Sunday | Leave a comment

The Answers as We Step Ahead

Posted on August 17, 2013 by Mark Shields

To review where I’ve been over the last few weeks along with a synopsis of some answers from my study of Ecclesiastes 5-7, take a look at this post called “The Answers as We Step Ahead”.

Step Ahead

One of the main thoughts from Ecclesiastes 5 is that we need to listen to God throughout the day. He can say something to us through another person, a book, a movie, through art and music. Most of all, He speaks through the Bible, the experiences we go through, and during our time of prayer. A successful prayer life takes preparation, time, and daily renewal. It’s important to set aside a time to be with God and listen for instruction on what work to get done.

From reflection uponEcclesiastes 6, the thought is that people are acquisitive and the earth is productive yet there is a sense that something is missing. What’s missing is true joy and forever fulfillment. Life is like running a race. Each day with God, we try to go the distance by going His way because when we lose ourselves in His purpose for…

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Questions for Reflection to Help Study Ecclesiastes 9-12

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Mark Shields

I recently finished questions for reflection to help study Ecclesiastes 5-8. To review where I’ve been over the last few weeks along with a synopsis of the answers, take a look at a post at this link: answers as we step ahead.

The next part of the travel will take me to Ecclesiastes 9-12. Over the next few weeks, I will continue to post about the journey and will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.

Photo Credit – sidsavara.com

Ecclesiastes 9
Passage Lookup
How does the sovereignty of God lend meaning to your life? Characterize your sense of urgency about your mission in life.

Ecclesiastes 10
Passage Lookup
What inclination of the heart is related to your ability to resist evil? What is recommended when we are confronted with evil in high places? Why? Contrast the manner of a wise man and a fool. What are your responsibilities in balancing talk and action?

Ecclesiastes 11
Passage Lookup
To what extent do you act out of love, without concern for return? Why? In what areas should you apply caution before taking a risk? What is the danger inherent in delaying generosity?

Ecclesiastes 12
Passage Lookup
Have you resolved to follow God? Why or Why not? List your own and the author’s conclusions about wisdom.

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

Ecclesiastes 12. Advice to young people. Seek God in early life. God. Respect and obey God. (bummyla.wordpress.com)
God’s Way is the Best Way (mdshields.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ecclesiastes | Tagged Bible, Chapters and verses of the Bible, Christ, Ecclesiastes, favorite bible verses, God, Jesus, jesus is god, sovereignty of god, United Methodist Church | 7 Comments

God’s Truth is Solid

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Mark Shields

If you pursue Godly wisdom, you will be more likely to know whose side to be on and listen to the right people. You will follow the right leader because you will listen to those with wholesome values and morals. Like a magnet attracting iron, you will attract treasures for the soul because the elements of God’s principles are at work in you.

Truth will always be truth and God’s truth is solid. We should be careful to protect character and do nothing that would compromise integrity but be honest with ourselves; having the attitude of wanting to know where we fall short and what needs to be done. I’d like to share this video with you to pass on this value of God’s truth: Solid as the Rock – Avalon.

For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. – Proverbs 2:6