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

Desire to be Used by God

Posted on August 9, 2013 by Mark Shields

In yesterday’s post, the thought is that people are naturally 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. This day with God, let us go the distance by going His way because when we lose ourselves in His purpose for our life, we gain energy along the way and we see possibilities we didn’t see before. Our desire should be to hear these words, “well done my faithful servant”.

I found this video that emphasizes what we should want in life: My Desire – Jeremy Camp.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. – Psalm 37:4

Desire (caramichelestrickland.wordpress.com)
With ALL MY HEART (mixwilliams.wordpress.com)
Trusting With All Your Heart (iamchampionaire.wordpress.com)
Listening to God’s voice for direction and salvation (joelmlayblog.wordpress.com)
Following God’s Leading or Forcing Our Plan? (lenbanks.com)

Posted in Ecclesiastes | Tagged Christianity, desires of your heart, faithful servant, God, Jeremy Camp, Jesus, Lord, Lost or Missing, People, Psalm, spirituality | 6 Comments

What’s Missing

Posted on August 8, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – WeiHoung.com

From reflection upon Ecclesiastes 6, the thought is that people are acquisitive and the earth is productive yet there is a sense that something is missing. What seems to be missing is fulfilling a greater purpose; having a desire to be used by God and working hard toward that end in a prudent way.

The satisfaction of the soul does not depend on the riches of the world but in the things to come through believing in Jesus Christ who offers abundant joy and forever fulfillment.

This Day with God, let us desire sharing knowledge about His way to abundant joy and forever fulfillment instead of wanting more of our own way. Lord, show us your plan in our life and help us to desire being used by you. Amen.

God’s Way is the Best Way (mdshields.wordpress.com)
Are You Still Searching For Your Purpose In Life? (myviewandopinion.wordpress.com)
Remain Obedient (spiritministries.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ecclesiastes | Tagged abundant joy, believing in jesus, believing in jesus christ, Christ, Christianity, Ecclesiastes, Evangelism, God, greater purpose, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Lord, Religion and Spirituality, spirituality | 4 Comments

Listening For Instructions on What Work To Get Done

Posted on August 7, 2013 by Mark Shields

God speaks through the Bible, through what we read, and the people we meet. He also speaks during our time of prayer. A successful prayer life takes preparation and time set aside for daily renewal; a time to be with God listening for instructions on what work to get done. Prepare for this time like this video explains: Stop the World – Matthew West.

“I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” – John 17:4

Taking time to listen (sianarulanantham.wordpress.com)
How can we recognize the voice of God? (altruistico.wordpress.com)
Doing Prayer Right (petitebouchee.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ecclesiastes | Tagged Bible, Christianity, God, Jesus, Lord, Matthew West, Prayer, prayer life, Religion and Spirituality, voice of god | 1 Comment

Listening for the Plan

Posted on August 6, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – bradcusworth.com

One of the main points expressed in Ecclesiastes 5 is that we need to keep our thoughts from wondering and listen for God’s plan throughout the day. He can say something through another person, a book, a movie, through art and music. If we pay attention to God, we are prepared for the world. If we pay attention to the world, we become stressed and confused.

Both the wealthy and the poor can struggle when attempting to satisfy spiritual wants. The key to fulfilling spiritual needs is to take pleasure in finding the call that God has given and to focus on it until the mission is complete. God has given each of us gifts but we must open them up. The greatest gift is Christ who is the Bread of Life; providing food for the soul. Once the gift is opened, there is opportunity for His blessings. We should ask each day: GOD, WOULD YOU SHOW ME YOUR PLAN FOR MY LIFE?

This day with God will be amazing if we stay focused on His presence. He’s not distant but near. Each day, let us be careful with our thoughts in preparation for prayer. Let us spend a few minutes in silence; putting away the concerns of the day and listening for the plan.

Questions for Reflection to Help Study Ecclesiastes 5-8 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
God’s Way is the Best Way (mdshields.wordpress.com)
Behold The Lamb (faithfullywriting.wordpress.com)
The Bread of Life (wickedmaderighteous.wordpress.com)
Day 76 – John 5-6 – Bread of Life (jeffreelamb.wordpress.com)
The Spiritual Being (cofchristdailybread.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ecclesiastes | Tagged Blessings, Bread of Life, Bread of Life Discourse, Christ, Christianity, Ecclesiastes, God, spiritual being, spiritual needs, Spirituality & Religion | 3 Comments

Questions for Reflection to Help Study Ecclesiastes 5-8

Posted on August 5, 2013 by Mark Shields

I recently finished questions for reflection to help study Ecclesiastes 1-4. 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: God’s Way is the Best Way.

The next part of the travel will take me to Ecclesiastes 5-8. 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 : consultinggrad.com

Ecclesiastes 5
Passage Lookup
Why is religion a part of even secular man? Why should we listen to God more than we talk to Him? How do you listen to God? When? How can I stay focused on God’s presence, especially when he feels distant?

Ecclesiastes 6
Passage Lookup
What is the difference between riches as end and as means for the Christian? Who determines our destiny? What is one area in my life where I need to stop thinking my way and start thinking God’s way?

Ecclesiastes 7
Passage Lookup
Can any good come from experiencing tough times? What is God’s relation to prosperity and adversity? What is the purpose in each? To what extent can we solve the riddle of life by reason?

Ecclesiastes 8
Passage Lookup
What extent has God given man the capacity to understand his situation? How is slow justice unjust? To what extent are God’s moral principles applicable for all time?

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.

__________________________________________

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