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

Thankfulness

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Mark Shields

There are many reasons to love the Lord. We may go through difficulties at work or our health may be a concern but we find relief in knowing that God is big enough to handle the situation and hope for a brighter future keeps us going. In Psalm 116, the psalmist experienced danger but shows gratitude towards God with the belief that relief is on the way and with God’s presence there is more joy than can be imagined.

God can answer our prayers during times of difficulty because He is in control and sees the big picture. He’s present; listening as we spend time with Him in prayer, reflect on the past, and receive direction for the future. We are rewarded when God hears us. There is peace knowing that God is in control and there is a sense of freedom in knowing that we are headed in the right direction.

Once delivered, the psalmist becomes more devoted to God and willing to be His servant. He will tell others to join him in loving the Lord. Even after trails and hardships we are certain to face along life’s journey, we can maintain the thought of entering our heavenly rest where we are delivered from sin and sorrow with the reward one can only imagine.

Life has ups and downs but one thing we can always look forward to and that’s the glory of standing in the presence of God when He comes or calls us home. Here’s a video to remind us of that glorious day: I Can Only Imagine – MercyMe.

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 115 – 118 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
The Purpose of Righteousness (frted.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Christianity, Direction, Faith, Freedom, God, Gratitude, heavenly rest, HolySpirit, Hope, Jesus, Joy, Lord, Love, Peace, Prayers, presence of god, Psalm, psalm 116, Reflection, Relief, religion, Religion and Spirituality, Reward, spirituality | 1 Comment

He Is Everything

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Mark Shields

After reading Psalm 115 and writing some thoughts in the post Our Living God, what was most meaningful to me is that idols do nothing but stand there and look good but God is constantly on the move; ready to help and defend.

Faith in idols does nothing but faith in the ONE and only God is action oriented because real faith is confessing sins, accepting God’s forgiveness, and walking in the light.

Here’s a video that explains how big our God is: Starry Night – Chris August.

Idols only sit there and depreciate over time but each day with God is amazing because He helps to replace every doubt or fear with deep abiding trust in Him.

Our Living God (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection – Psalm 115 – 118 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
How Great Is Our God (monicahoranxox.wordpress.com)
American Idols – Psalm 106:20-21 (stevesbiblemeditations.com)
Praying the Imprecatory Psalms (Psalm 83) (happymills.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged accepting god, Chris August, Christianity, Doubt, Faith, Fear, God, http www youtube, Idols, imprecatory psalms, Israel, Jesus, Lord, Psalm, psalm 115, psalm 83, real faith, religion, Religion and Spirituality, Trust | 3 Comments

Examples of Integrity

Posted on April 27, 2013 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I have been thinking about the character trait integrity. Like my Pastor has talked about before in his sermons, we should be honest with ourselves. Having the attitude of wanting to know where we fall short and what we need to do.

There are many examples of this character trait called integrity throughout the Bible. I thought about what happens when there is a lack of this trait as in Genesis 27:1-45 when Rebekah convinced her favorite son to trick his father and receive his blessing instead of Esau. This set off all kinds of family turmoil.

Figures Isaac Blesses Jacob (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Then I thought about the example of David’s men in 2 Samuel 18:9-12 who honored David’s wishes. They didn’t kill Absalom even though he was fighting in the enemy’s army and there was a big reward to kill him.

I then thought about examples of people in more current times who have demonstrated integrity and about how a society could build up this quality for future generations. To read these thoughts, take a look at the post titled Ideas for Building a Society with More Integrity.

T is for Twins; Esau and Jacob (jimlwright.wordpress.com)
Five Minute Friday: Character Traits a Friend Should Have (adaptivelearnin.wordpress.com)
Integrity (ejaife.wordpress.com)

Posted in Integrity | Tagged Absalom, Bible, Book of Genesis, David, Esau, Generation, Honesty, Integrity, Leadership, Rebekah, religion, Society | 5 Comments

Our Living God

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Mark Shields

Pointed out in Psalm 115, idols do not have any sense or reason and are works of human hands: the painter, the carver, the statuary. They can’t see, hear, smell, feel, or speak but God has all of these along with great wisdom and purpose for everything.

In today’s passage, Israel appeals for God’s help knowing that they can trust the living God who has helped them in the past. When they have respected Him with reverence for his Word and relied on Him, they have been blessed. With confidence, they can trust that He will refresh their souls and bless them forever.

There is no power in idols but the worship and praise of the ONE and only God leads to a great capacity for victory so spend some time in silence; putting away the cares and concerns of this world so that all attention is on hearing directions from the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit as a dove in the Annunciation, by Philippe de Champaigne, 1644 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In His Presence (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Lifting Hands To God (markblock.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection – Psalm 115 – 118 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Prepositional truth (catchjohnfischer.wordpress.com)
Sunday Inspiration: Believe (nightshade130.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged annunciation, Christ, Christianity, Directions, God, Holy Spirit, HolySpirit, Idols, Israel, living god, Power, Praise, Psalm, psalm 115, religion, Religion and Spirituality, Reverence, Souls, Trust, victory, Word, Worship, worship and praise | 2 Comments

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 115 – 119

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, the journey has taken me through Psalm 110-114. I got a good picture of the Messiah and of the rewarding future. The most joyful writings in the world are found in the gospel because they are about progress, victory, and celebration which are stepping stones to a winning tradition.

Praise God for He is majestic, righteous, compassionate, faithful, and just. Great are the works of the Lord. Take a look at images of nature. A Sunrise, rainbow, waterfall, mountains, fall foliage, snow covered countryside, or sunset. Faith brings light to a dark world and builds momentum for the day.

Let us hold each other’s hand up as we walk by faith. We may not know the intricate details of how things work but we don’t have to as long as we have faith that they work. For example: I don’t know how a light bulb works but I know when I turn on the switch, there is light. Opening up God’s Word is like turning on that switch that lights the path and we can walk by faith.

Also, along my recent journey, there was remembrance of the past brought out in the Psalms. At the ancient festivals of Israel like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles the people would thank God for what He had done. Today, we should praise God for passing over each of us marked with the blood of Christ so that we are spared from death eternal but into life everlasting. There is abundant life and eternal rewards through His Son. His Word provides light for understanding and awareness which provides bright days even during dark times.

The exodus is significant in Israel’s history. Let us acknowledge God’s power and goodness in what He did for Israel. Then apply it to that much greater work of wonder, our redemption by Christ; encouraging ourselves and others to trust in God during difficult times. God sees the big picture and the Bible tells us what He can do. Just rely on how magnificent He has made you and let Him do the amazing part.

Woman Using Her Laptop in a Hammock

As I continue the journey through the Bible, the next adventure will take me to Psalm 115-118. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about the journey and will use the questions below to help focus on each passage. Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of these questions. 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.

Psalm 115
Passage Lookup
Contrast idols and the Lord. What does each do? On What basis does Israel ask for God’s help? What is their confidence?

Psalm 116
Passage Lookup
Why do you love the Lord? How does the psalmist relate to God in the midst of trials? When he has been delivered?

Psalm 117-118
Passage Lookup
Who are called on to praise God? For what reason? How does God respond to those who call on Him? In what way has God given you light?

Psalm 119:1-40
Passage Lookup
What is the purpose of the law of the Lord? The result of keeping the law? How are lips and eyes related to keeping the law? Why is God’s Word essential for life?

Psalm 119:41-88
Passage Lookup
What questions will God’s Word answer? Why? What is the value of God’s law? What is the purpose of your living?

Psalm 119:89-136
Passage Lookup
What questions will God’s Word answer? Why? What is the value of God’s law? What is the purpose of your living?

Psalm 119:137-176
Passage Lookup

List the difficulties which have afflicted the psalmist in spite of his zeal for keeping God’s Word. To what qualities of God does the psalmist appeal? Summarize the benefits of understanding God’s Word.

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.

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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