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

Living with Wisdom

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – trans4mind.com

As we now journey into Ecclesiastes 8, Solomon continues to give us wisdom about life. For example: he notes that the riddle of life is very hard to solve, he writes about justice, about punishment, and God’s moral principles.

We do not know the future. Only God knows the future so we should submit to His will and providence. We should fear the Lord because His moral principles are applicable for all time. Iniquity can’t escape death so hold fast to goodness and justice.

Have good judgment, discernment, and discretion; trying to balance the heart and mind. Common sense is gained through life experiences and helps us to avoid as many traps as possible. If we do not agree with someone that has authority over us, there is a proper time and procedure for every matter. God will be at work to set things right.

A wise man is useful, happy, and is comforted by the enjoyment of God’s blessings. Let us pray that we view eternal things as near, real, and most important. This day with God will be amazing because with Him there is freedom that helps us live, give, and love. There is freedom that allows us to speak and teach; laying out a clear path for others to follow.

God’s Way is the Best Way (mdshields.wordpress.com)
The Path to Truth (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Better Than Rubies: Devotion for Monday July 29, 2013 (socyberty.com)
A Great Thing to Achieve (bryanvillarosa.com)
The Spirit Man (kevinleedodson.wordpress.com)
What if you had 1 wish? (ctkblog.com)

Posted in Ecclesiastes | Tagged Bible, clear path, Ecclesiastes, God, heart and mind, Jesus, life experiences, Lord, moral principles, riddle of life, Solomon, spirit man, Wisdom | 3 Comments

Lift the Cross High

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Mark Shields

In the previous post along the journey, I wrote about the lessons to be learned in life and from God’s Word but the riddle of life can’t be solved by reason alone. It’s solved by the cross so lift it high because it is our trophy for the victory. The war is over and the love of God through Christ has won. May this video give a lift for your day: White Flag – Chris Tomlin.

Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong. – Job 6:24

Rewards Beyond What We Could Ever Imagine (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Be Lifted Higher Than Me (thesolidground.wordpress.com)
“Follow Me” (harleyhalliburton.wordpress.com)
Imperfect. (mockmenot.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ecclesiastes | Tagged Chris Tomlin, Christ, Christian, Christianity, Churches of God, God, Jesus, trophy, white flag | Leave a comment

What Makes You Angry?

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Mark Shields

Yesterday, I shared an outline of the sermon message at the church I attend. A take away from the message for me is that many things can make us angry or frustrated in life. Being angry is not a sin in itself but how we react to the anger can lead to sin.

Here are some possible things that might make you angry:

You buy food at a fast food restaurant and you get home and they left out part of your order
Driving behind a slow driver
Watching the news
Add more you can think of in the comments

We all deal with anger, frustration, and hurt feelings. Maybe someone has spread gossip about you that is not true. Maybe you work with a demeaning boss.

On the other hand, there are times when anger can make a right wrong like when there is a need in society. Think about orphanages. Someone was angry about children not having a home and thought of a solution. Think of Habitat for Humanity. Someone was angry that some could not afford their own house and was angry enough to form an organization that could make it happen.

There are certain ways to react to anger and the Bible teaches us to reflect before reacting and to respond wisely. As we follow the teachings of the Bible, we learn to develop skills in how best to respond to anger. We learn that we don’t have to repress it but confess it and ask for God’s help.

God can transform us with his amazing grace. We begin a process of change that seeks accountability by taking things step by step. We choose friends wisely that will give correction when needed and lift us up to make us a better person. Aiming high is harder but it’s what God wants us to do. Like this video suggest, ask Him to take you higher: Take Me Higher – Lincoln Brewster.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know God’s will for you …” Romans 12:2ab (NLT)

Rage. (glennamm.wordpress.com)
10 Life-Changing Facts About Anger (lifeaftermikhaila.wordpress.com)
Lady Anger: A Radical Act? (taikonenfea.wordpress.com)
Anger Management In An Hour Of Need (observer.org.sz)
Handling anger (elmuftiamx3.wordpress.com)
Dear Dad (knitgirl2013.com)

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Anger, anger frustration, better person, Bible, Christianity, God, Habitat for Humanity, Lincoln Brewster, Religion and Spirituality, romans 12 | 7 Comments

Wise Guy

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – oneinabillionconsulting.blogspot.com

If you are not able to attend your local church service today (traveling, health condition, 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. Today’s message will start around 10:00 AM Central Time Zone. It can also be reviewed at any time and used for Bible study and small group discussion. Below is the outline of the message for today titled “Wise Guy”.

1. WISDOM MEASURES THE COST.

“A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.” – Proverbs 15:18

“A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.” – Proverbs 14:29

“A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.” – Proverbs 14:17

‘He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant of the wise.” – Proverbs 11:29

2. WISDOM REFLECTS BEFORE REACTING.

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” – Proverbs 29:11

“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” – Proverbs 19:11

3. WISDOM RESPONDS “WISELY”.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1

“A man finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely
word!” – Proverbs 15:23

4. WISDOM LETS GOD TRANSFORM YOU.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God
transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know God’s will for you .…” – Romans 12:2ab (NLT)

5. WISDOM SEEKS ACCOUNTABILITY.

“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself
ensnared.” – Proverbs 22:24-25

Wisdom for Parents (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
The Purpose of Proverbs (jpfinn7.com)
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 20:14-17 (citizentom.com)

Posted in Sermon Outline | Tagged Bible Study, Book of Proverbs, Church service, God, Podcast, sermon series, Sunday, timely word | 3 Comments

The Path to Truth

Posted on August 10, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – mrbtg.files.wordpress.com

Contemplating upon Ecclesiastes 7, we can learn from difficult experiences or tough times and help others to possibly avoid what we had to go through. The path of adversity can lead to the path of truth for others. Life has perplexing problems and we are born into an imperfect world that can lead many down the wrong path. There is corruption, poverty, sadness, hate, and foolishness.

We can learn lessons from the Bible by taking the principles and making them practical. Thoughts of excellence can be hammered and honed on the anvil of everyday living. Then instead of predicting the future, we are creating it as we prepare the mind and heart for the path to freedom. The riddle of life can’t be solved by reason alone. Going to God in prayer is needed and belief that nothing is too big for God to handle or too small for Him to be interested in is a good thought.

This day with God, let us pray for the ability to take in these lessons from His Word and from life. There may be times of prosperity or adversity and in each circumstance, wisdom can be gained. In times of prosperity, let us enjoy God’s favor, be thankful, and generous. In times of adversity, let us embrace the lesson learned as council for future security from troubles and dangers.