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

Finding Out What God Wants From Us

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Mark Shields

In studying and writing about 1 Chronicles 17:1-15 in the previous post, David certainly wanted to do good but we must understand that what God wants from us might be different than what we want.

We need to accept that we require the abundant life given through His Son who fills our hearts with peace and our minds with rest. Let Him handle our yesterdays and tomorrows so we can focus on our today. With this thought in mind, I’d like to share this video as a pick-me-up for your day: At The Foot Of The Cross – Don Moen.

This day with God will be amazing because He will provide music for our ears, laughter for our soul and a rainbow after every storm.

Who Will Build the House of God (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in 1 Chronicles | Tagged Abundance, Christ, David, God, HolySpirit, Inspiration, Jesus, Laughter, Lord, Music, Peace, Rainbow, religion, Rest, spirituality | 2 Comments

Who Will Build the House of God

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Mark Shields

English: The Ark of the Covenant Brought into the Temple (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Reading in 1 Chronicles 17:1-15, David was concerned about the Ark of the Covenant. He was settled in his palace while the ark was under a tent. His thoughts were about building a house for God to dwell in but God gave David a different plan. He said don’t worry about a house for me and announces a surprising alternative plan. He promised that the most significant leader ever will come from one of David’s offspring (v. 11). Many think of Solomon and the temple he built but most believe the person being put forward as the most significant leader from the “house and lineage of David” is Jesus Christ. We know today that in the hearts of all believers is where the Spirit of God dwells.

The lesson being taught to me is that there should be no pressure to perform. All we are responsible for is to follow God’s will and accept His help. Like David, we must just accept our part in God’s overall plan. Many times we try to carry the burdens of life and put everything on our own shoulders. This is not healthy and not the way God intended.

The plan laid out is that God’s son would build the dwelling of God’s Spirit in all of us for we are the temple of God and should take care of the house of God. God’s Word is the foundation upon which to build our life. If we follow the instructions He has for us, a heavy load is removed and He carries us on His shoulders. This day with God, give praise because He loved us so much to become one of us and carry our heavy burdens.

Questions for Reflection – 1 Chronicles 17-19 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
God’s Promise to David (prayerworkscafe.org)
The Promise to David Fulfilled (adumois.wordpress.com)
You Are God’s Temple (shinninggodslight.wordpress.com)

Posted in 1 Chronicles | Tagged Ark of the Covenant, Burdens, Christ, Christianity, David, God, God’s Word, Health, house of god, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Leader, Performance, Plan, Pressure, reflection 1, religion, Responsibility, Solomon, spirit of god, theology | 2 Comments

Questions for Reflection – 1 Chronicles 17-19

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been on a journey through 1 Chronicles 12 – 16 where we’ve studied the life story of David; a young man many didn’t think had what it took yet with great faith and courage was able to defeat Goliath. The faith of David made him stronger and the good news for us is that when we understand what faith can do, it encourages us to join in the fight.

Each day is a fight against the enemy but God goes before us to prepare the way; building up our life with inspiration from His Word. Prayer, reflection, and action will build leaders for better families, communities, and nations.

If we focus on the ONE that matters by putting our attention on God first, He helps us organize and prioritize our day. Let us return daily with humbleness seeking answers, removing distractions, and believing He is near.

The theme throughout the Bible is gladness and victory which then becomes our stepping stones along the path to winning future battles. By accepting God’s guidance, future battles faced are winnable and the rewards are better relationships, families, and careers.

To continue creating stepping stones through the book of 1 Chronicles, I 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.

1 Chronicles 17:1-15
Passage Lookup
What is David’s concern? Is it valid? Who is the most significant person to come from the “house and lineage of David”?

1 Chronicles 17:16-27
Passage Lookup
What requests does David make in his prayer? List the facets of God’s character for which David gives praise. List the things about God which you have observed in Scripture or in your own life. Praise him for being this kind of God.

1 Chronicles 18
Passage Lookup
What kind of king is David? Who is responsible for his military victories? What does He do with the spoils of war?

1 Chronicles 19
Passage Lookup
How is David’s kindness in offering sympathy received? How does David show consideration for his servants that were embarrassed? Do you show this kind of concern for others?

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged accepting god, better relationships, Bible, Christ, David, favorite bible verses, God, Goliath, religion, theology | 10 Comments

Live to the Fullest Now

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Mark Shields

A take away from the message at church yesterday for me was that we shouldn’t live in the past or the future but live everyday to the fullest right now. Don’t take things for granted. Marvel at the sun coming up, the flowers blooming, the birds singing, and the children growing. Take the joy of Jesus and be filled so you can fill others.

The message inspired the poem below.

Unstoppable Joy

God is with you and me,
And His Joy is unstoppable.
Receive the joy and let it be,
Everything is possible.

A great day in every life,
Is today even in strife.
The joy He can bring,
Makes everyone sing.

The sun comes up every day,
Look outside as children play,
The flowers bloom,
There is no gloom.

Share joy with others,
Sisters and brothers,
Even in pain,
There is only gain.

For this amazing day,
Unstoppable joy on the way,
For this is what we prayed,
And the Lord Okayed.

Unstoppable Joy (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Unstoppable Cross (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
3 thoughts on First things first: (gadberry.me)
Live your life to the fullest… (amasupahliscious.wordpress.com)
February: The Shortest & Fullest Month Of The Year (traymarartists.wordpress.com)
Take Up Our Cross Daily and Be A Servant (dailymannablog.wordpress.com)
Living a life of love…. (greatriversofhope.wordpress.com)
Expect the Best (tapcopim.com)
Freeing You – Part 1 (amatterofheartdevotions.wordpress.com)

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, Christianity for Seekers, Evangelism, God, Lord, Nature, outdoors, People, religion, Religion and Spirituality, spirituality, United Methodist Church | 1 Comment

Unstoppable Joy

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Mark Shields

English: (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The second message of the series called “Unstoppable” at First United Methodist Church Waco was presented today. It is titled “Unstoppable Joy” and can be watched at this link. Below is an outline of the message.

1. THE GREATEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE IS RIGHT NOW.

“This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be
glad today!” – Psalm 118:24 (NCV)

2. JOY IS AT THE VERY HEART OF GOD.

“And she will have a Son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for
He will save His people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21 (NLT)

3. TAKING IT FOR GRANTED TAKES OUR JOY.

“Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God
saw that the light was good, so He divided the light from the
darkness.” – Genesis 1:3-4 (NCV)

4. TO MISS OUT ON JOY IS TO MISS OUT ON THE REASON FOR YOUR EXISTENCE.

“I have told you this so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes,
your joy will overflow.” – John 15:11(NLT)

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice!” –
Philippians 4:4 (NLT)

5. AUTHENTIC JOY CAN EXIST IN THE MIDST OF PAIN.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When
you cross rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through fire,
you will not be burned, nor will the flames hurt you.” – Isaiah 43:2 (NCV)

6. THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE.

“Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and Who
makes us perfect. He suffered death on a cross. But He
accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that
God put before Him….” – Hebrews 12:2ab (NCV)