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

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.

God’s Way is the Best Way (mdshields.wordpress.com)
Our Answer is Found in Christ (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection to Help Study Ecclesiastes 5-8 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Adversity and defeat are blessings (benanderson0928.wordpress.com)
The way,the truth and the life (peterkaimenyi.wordpress.com)
The Source of Our Adversities! (1safeharborisjesus.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ecclesiastes | Tagged adversities, Bible, Christ, Christianity, Ecclesiastes, everyday living, God, imperfect world, Jesus, perplexing problems, predicting the future, Religion and Spirituality, riddle of life, Stress (biology) | 5 Comments

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.