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

Unstoppable Cross

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Mark Shields

We started a sermon series called “Unstoppable” at First United Methodist Church Waco. The first message was titled “Unstoppable Cross” and can be watched at this link.

Jesus had a divine appointment to preach the Good News to the poor, proclaim that the captives will be set free, and the blind will see.

It was a dangerous assignment because He was going against powerful groups like Caesar’s Roman government, the Zealots, the Essenes, the Sadducees, and Pharisees.

Jesus went against the grain and broke a few outdated, useless regulations but was an honest teacher of God’s way who built a community of believers that continues to change the world.

We all can try to take what’s up there with God and bring down here to earth; putting it into our heart. When we are successful, we become dangerous to those against us because we are unstoppable.

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Christianity, Essenes, God, Pharisee, Rascal Flatts, religion, Sadducees, sadducees and pharisees | 3 Comments

Strong Leaders

Posted on February 17, 2013 by Mark Shields

After reading 1 Chronicles 13-14, what is found is that David conferred with each of his officers, sought unity with his people and most of all inquired of God who goes before us to prepare the way; building up our life with positive principles found in His Word. Prayer, reflection, and action will develop strong leaders for better families, communities, and nations.

I really enjoy growing in the Lord with you and sharing videos that hopefully bless and uplift. I’d like to share this video that asks God for help in leading families. Just click here: Sanctus Real – Lead Me or on the video below to watch. God Bless! 🙂

For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. – Psalm 33:4

Valley Of Blessing (makeithappenmoment.com)
My Heart Rejoices and With My Song I Praise Him (shareaverse.wordpress.com)
Inquire of God (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection – 1 Chronicles 12-16 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in 1 Chronicles | Tagged Action, Christianity, Communities, David, Families, God, God’s Word, Leaders, Leadership, Lord, Nations, Prayer, Psalm, Reflection, religion, Religion and Spirituality, Unity, word of the lord | Leave a comment

Inquire of God

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Mark Shields

King David in Prayer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How does David make decisions? After reading 1 Chronicles 13-14 , what is found is that He Conferred with each of his officers, sought unity with his people, and most of all inquired of God. Delight in the law of the Lord. Like a tree near a stream of water, so is a person who is nourished by the Word.

David not only conferred with each of his officers but also with all the people on moving the Ark so it was near them. It would not be an easy task over the rough terrain as they hauled the Ark on a cart. In fact, there was a mistake as Uzzah simply touched the Ark to steady it after an ox stumbled and it made God so angry that He struck down Uzzah.

David wanted to honor God in his kingdom so that his people would be blessed with His favor. David was not perfect and we are not perfect but today we can be thankful that because of Christ we can boldly come to His throne of grace at any time or any place when faced with decisions as leaders of companies, organizations, churches, families, or the groups we hang around.

David inquired of God when facing battles and God gave him instructions in how to carry out his battles. He paved the way for David as he simply followed the path to success. Even though David was not perfect, he did give us an example of one who had good leadership qualities. We may not be perfect either but we can give those that follow us a good example to go by so when they need to make decisions in their own life, they have a model to follow.

God is reliable in helping us make good choices. He goes before us to prepare the way; building up our life with positive principles found in His Word. Prayer, reflection, and action will build leaders for better families, communities, and nations. It’s up to each of us to take in what is good for our body and soul; leading others in the direction God would like us to go.

Prayer is our greatest power because God gives instructions. If we prepare by organizing our thoughts before prayer, God will help us crystallize them into good ideas and plans of action. This day with God, pray for the ability to lead others. You may be a church leader, a leader of a company or organization, or a leader within your family. Make a request to God for direction and a plan. Pray for good helpers to carry out the plan God gives. He helps us plan the right things for our day and things fall into place for an amazing day.

Questions for Reflection – 1 Chronicles 12-16 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Making Good Decisions (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Do Not Be Afraid: Pray for More Suffering! (annunciationblog.com)

Posted in 1 Chronicles | Tagged Christ, Christianity, David, direction god, favor david, God, good leadership qualities, Leadership, Lord, Prayer, religion, Uzzah | 5 Comments

Emboldened

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Mark Shields

As I read in 1 Chronicles 12, I took note of the fact that David couldn’t fulfill God’s purpose by himself so He provided him with warriors with specific skills to help. What skills do you have to make sure the church universal is built up throughout the world? You like me may lack some ability and struggle at catching sight of the big picture. All we need to do my brother and sister is know that it is Christ who strengthens. He carried the weight of the world on His shoulders and I know that He will carry each of us.

I heard a story once of a blind person who was born crippled and without eyes. He demonstrated tremendous musical skills early in life eventually becoming a member of the University of Louisville Marching Band with the help of his dad who pushed his wheel chair during half-time performances. His disabilities have become great abilities with the help of his father who worked the graveyard shift at UPS so he could be there being his eyes and legs. His name is Patrick Hughes and you can learn for about his inspiring story by clicking the video below or at this link.

My friend there are tremendous skills you have to offer for His Kingdom. You like me may not have all that is needed but like in the story above, we have a Father that is here to provide what we need. Take inspiration from Psalm 138:3.

When I called, you answered me: you greatly emboldened me.

The Spark You Provide For His Team (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection – 1 Chronicles 12-16 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in 1 Chronicles | Tagged Christ, David, God, Psalm, Skill, University of Louisville | Leave a comment

The Spark You Provide For His Team

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Mark Shields

David and Goliath, a colour lithograph by Osmar Schindler (c. 1888) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Remember the life story of David; a young man many didn’t think had what it took yet with great faith and courage defeated Goliath. The faith of David made him stronger and once people saw what faith could do, it encouraged them to join in the fight. Warriors with specific skills united to help David become king over all of Israel. Reading in 1 Chronicles 12, representatives of all twelve tribes of Israel are included among those loyal to David because the Spirit influenced them to join on His side (v. 18). Like David who received the warriors, Christ receives, employs, and advances us in the work for the kingdom. We too are influenced by the Spirit to embrace the cause of Christ.

What skills do you have to make sure the church universal is built up throughout the world? Like the warriors with specific skills, each of us has specific skills to help the church universal become stronger throughout the world. Christ is our common bond who strengthens us and carries us.

Here’s an idea: reflect on your past and look to the future; discover the one strong point God has given you and focus on developing it even further. Even with a weakness, God can make it strong if you discover the spark you provide to His team. This day with God will be amazing. You can be a hero for God today. He may take what others see as weaknesses and make them into strengths. He may give you the skills that help others realize their dream by constantly encouraging them and giving inspiration. This Day, accentuate the positives God has given in your life.