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

Looking at Bad Circumstances in a Different Way

Posted on June 29, 2013 by Mark Shields

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Israelites experienced emotional problems during their captivity in Babylon. Not only had they been taken captive but they had been carried to a foreign land and emotionally tormented. At the time of writing Psalm 137, the exiles were in extreme grief as their captors made them play songs they used to sing in the temple of Zion. These were songs appointed by God to be sung only in His service. The songs brought out sadness because they remembered friends who died when Jerusalem was destroyed by the heartless Babylonians.

In life, we all go through circumstances that are difficult. We go through times when it’s hard to focus on our relationship with the Lord because our circumstances are consuming our thoughts. Somehow we must lift ourselves up to overcome and hearing stories of others that have overcome can be inspirational.

I once saw a video about an armless carpenter from Ethiopia. He learned how to use his feet for everything; including sawing and nailing wood together. Another great story is the one about Nick Vujicic who was born without all four limbs. He struggled mentally and emotionally as well as physically, but eventually came to terms with his disability and at the age of seventeen, started his own non-profit organization call “Life Without Limbs”.

This day with God will be amazing because the gladness He brings washes away every disappointment, the joy He brings dissolves every sorrow, and His love eases every pain. Is there a difficult situation you are going through? Put it on your prayer list. Lay out your concerns. If you need a miracle, ask for it; leave it to God to provide what is needed to get out of the bad circumstance.

No Arms, No Legs, No Worries: Unstoppable Nick Vujicic (lifebydmagdalene.wordpress.com)
Refreshments along the Rivers of Babylon (differentwithadifference.wordpress.com)
mentor #1: Nick Vujicic (healdaworld3.wordpress.com)
Nick Vujicic: Triumph over Adversity (inkimprint.wordpress.com)
download nick vujicic video (bethesamul.wordpress.com)
Joy Theif – Re-blog (mastellera.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Babylon, God, Israelites, Jerusalem, Life Without Limbs, Lord, Nick Vujicic, no arms no legs no worries, Psalm 137, rivers of babylon, spirituality, Zion | 5 Comments

He Loves Us

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Mark Shields

God knows all about us and sees value in each of us. He takes active concern in our life and mercifully prearranged a gift of love through His Son. What an example to follow and this love in action gives inspiration as we follow this pathway to passion with grace.

This day with God will be amazing because we will be made aware that He loves us beyond measure. This love will enter our hearts and then be returned unconditionally to others. Here’s a powerful video that mixes a message from John Piper along with a great song: How He Loves Us – David Crowder (Matt Chandler & John Piper). I hope it makes you aware how much He loves you and sets the tone for a wonderful day and weekend. 🙂

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

So-So Translations (scripturalmeditations.wordpress.com)
The Love of My Father (fggam.org)
‘Avoid Evil Distractions And Stick To Jesus’ Mandate For The Church By Preaching John 3:16′ (vineoflife.net)
*The greatness of our God* (fionacaeline.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Christianity, David Crowder, David Crowder Band, God, god so loved the world, Jesus, John 3:16, John Piper, Matt Chandler, religion & spirituality, United States | 1 Comment

God’s Love Endures Forever

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Mark Shields

Jesus Christ Crucifix (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Every verse of Psalm 136 ends with the words “His love endures forever” and every grand purpose of our Creator over the years has always ended with these same words in mind. His knowledge and power are demonstrated in the physical universe through the miracles of Jesus Christ. By “mercy” He has saved all who were rendered miserable and the effects provide comfort to help endure forever. Remember His favor in leading His people into the Promised Land, His salvation through His Son, and His redeeming power that we may serve Him each amazing day.

This love that God has demonstrated helps us to learn how to treat others because He not only gave mercy to us but to all that believe in His Son. From creation through the deliverance of Israel to present times and into the future, the work of God’s strong hand and outstretched arm can be traced. He’s prompted to action when we are downhearted, in harm’s way, or in need.

In this psalm, God is saying to those who may doubt his love that He will provide in our time of need so don’t give up. He loves us and gives us an example to follow. He provides food for our physical body now and food for our soul to sustain us forever. This day with God, let us offer a prayer and thanksgiving in that His love endures forever. Let us never forget that we are praying to a God who loves us so much that He gave up His Son for us.

Questions for Reflection for Studying Psalm 132-136 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Be thankful in all circumstances (foryourglorygod.wordpress.com)
The Heart of GOD (michellemiddleton4.wordpress.com)
His Everlasting Love Endures Forever! (jessmo17.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged amazing day, Christianity, God, grand purpose, heart of god, Israel, Jesus, Jesus Christ, miracles of jesus, miracles of jesus christ, physical universe, Psalm, psalm 136 | 4 Comments

God Gets Our Attention

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Mark Shields

As highlighted in yesterday’s post, God gets our attention in many ways. He may get our attention with a brilliant sunrise or bathe us in warm sunshine. He might shout to us in a thunderstorm or reveal His majesty in His beautiful creation just like this video: God’s Beautiful Creation – Brian Doerksen.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

“RUN Forrest (Caitlin) RUN!!!!” (thewaytruthlifeblog.wordpress.com)
Keep your eyes fixed as you run! (livingmoreabundantly4christ.com)
36- How Do You Remain in God’s Favor After Sinning? (pastormina1.wordpress.com)
Sunny days, clouds, raindrops and theology! (alisonjoybolton.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Brian Doerksen, brilliant sunrise, Christianity, Epistle to the Hebrews, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, spirituality, warm sunshine | Leave a comment

God In Our Presence

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Mark Shields

The Holy Spirit depicted as a dove, surrounded by angels, by Giaquinto, 1750s. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The psalmist praises God in Psalm 135 because of what He has done in the past and will continue to do for the future. He provides grace, power, and victory against enemies like He did against Pharaoh and other kings throughout history.

We need God in our present situation because He has the power to keep us on the path to victory. Let’s put our attention on Him and receive spiritual treasures worth more than silver and gold.

An idol can’t listen to your concerns but our Heavenly Father does. Spend a few minutes in silence, putting away the cares and concerns and noise of the day, listening for the Holy Spirit. Be thankful for God’s goodness and greatness. Invite Him to come along with you as you spend your day.

This day with God, give praise to His goodness and how He treats us as His child. He cares for us and wants what’s best for us. He is a loving God, a caring God, and a faithful God. Praise Him for the marvels of His creation like the expanse of the universe, the beauty of nature, or the amazing accomplishments of His people.