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

Give the Extra Effort

Posted on May 25, 2013 by Mark Shields

What type of attitudes should we have when working through problems? In yesterday’s post, the lesson was about how to respond to problems and those against us. I wrote about mercy and how Jesus forgave even those who crucified Him.

Although, only God can forgive sin, we can take lessons about mercy and apply them in our own life. There are situations when we need to forgive. Maybe a relationship has gone bad, a co-worker has done us wrong, or a customer has been unreasonable. In these situations, it might help to receive inspiration from what Jesus said in Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing”.

We should always go the extra mile or give the extra effort in our relationships. We should be honest and trust in God to rescue if we continue to work, pray, think, and believe while being patient. He will honor our patience if we choose His way to joy and hope.

Photo Credit : entherm.com

My study in college was in business management and I’ve always had a passion for ideas on how a company can inspire good attitudes in their employees so it leads to excellent customer service. There’s a video I came across that explains the small difference between hot water and boiling water that makes all the difference. Here’s the video: The One Extra Degree Makes All The Difference.

Photo of the Day – Forgiveness then Peace (agportraitsbydonnajones.wordpress.com)
Forgiveness and Freedom (ncgrover.wordpress.com)
Can a Mustard Seed Forgive? (girlkaleidoscope.wordpress.com)
Forgive. Sounds Good. Forget? Hm… (marye2212.com)
Forgiving Difficult People (drbstratton.wordpress.com)
Forgiveness (jhoward91blog.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Christianity, excellent customer service, mustard seed, religion, spirituality, trust in god | Leave a comment

Mercy Helps

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Mark Shields

In Psalm 123, the psalmist is going through problems. In previous post a while back as I journeyed through Ezra and Nehemiah, there were plots to stop the rebuilding of God’s house and the wall around Jerusalem. Just like back then, we have enemies that are against us today. What type of attitudes should we have when working through these problems?

The psalmist gives us some ideas in today’s passage which include asking for mercy, for help against enemies, and for endurance to keep going. In prayer, we can continue to seek God’s help and direction on a daily basis. The world will try to trick and deceive but God has what we truly need which is mercy.

Sometimes we have difficulties or get off track and that’s where mercy helps; God gives mercy as Jesus said in Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing”. Jesus returned God’s kindness to those against Him. Jesus broke the cycle of the past by actively offering love and peace instead of revenge. Letting go of the past, God offers mercy to all and that’s when a new life of adventure begins.

I really enjoy growing in the Lord with you and sharing videos that hopefully bless and uplift. I’d like to share this video about mercy: That’s Where Mercy Begins – Steve Green.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. – Isaiah 13:18

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy. (joshapcblog.wordpress.com)
Triumph of Mercy (jcwill5.wordpress.com)
By the Mercies of God (paperaltar.wordpress.com)
Following Christ’s Example (hiking2christ.org)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Christianity, Direction, Endurance, Kindness, Mercy, mercy mercy mercy, Optimism, Peace, psalm 123, psalmist, spirituality, triumph of mercy | 1 Comment

Rewards of Worship

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Mark Shields

In my reading and study of Psalm 122, I found that the psalmist wants to explain to us the tremendous need for a place to worship. Some of the rewards of God include joy, peace, and prosperity. A time of worship is so rewarding because the lessons learned are so precious.

The Word of God, sermon messages, and music are filled with nuggets of gold. The New Testament is a collection of the most joyful books of the world. Like in the reading of Psalm 122 as the people would come to Jerusalem three times a year for festivals, we need to pause along the journey of life to celebrate progress and reward. They used these celebrations to build stepping stones to their future battles and so can we.

The simple things in life that God gives can brighten our life more than the great occasions that cost so much. We can continuously celebrate our Creator on a daily basis with each sunrise or sunset. We can celebrate each season as the flowers appear in the countryside and the meadows become flush with new green grass. Millions of people hand over billions of dollars and much of their time each year on things that provide very little impact on their life. Yet, just a little time with God can have an effect on life beyond measure.

This day with God will be amazing if we just realize that we are blessed and others are blessed because of the impact of our faith. Here’s a video to praise and celebrate today: O Praise Him – David Crowder Band.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. – Psalm 100:1-2

May 23 Devotional (cherokeebaptistmemphis.wordpress.com)
Give Thanks (minofeducation.wordpress.com)
It’s Time to Worship – Psalm 66: 1-2 (dianneguthmuller.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Church, Creator deity, David Crowder Band, God, New Testament, Psalm, psalm 122, sermon messages, spirituality | 3 Comments

Worship is Rewarding

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Mark Shields

Continuing my journey as I read in Psalm 122, I see that the psalmist is ready, cheerful, and excited when going to God’s house. Jerusalem is described as packed in like a church should be in holy love and Christian communion. The people look forward with enthusiasm to coming to Jerusalem three times a year for the great religious festivals.

The psalmist in this writing wants to get across the benefits of providing a place to worship God so brothers, sisters, and friends are ready to take on the challenges of life. God’s house should be the main event, the place to go to. He wants people to know that God has plans for His people to prosper, to be safe, have hope and a very bright future.

Like the psalmist in today’s passage, make it a point to pray for others. Pray for those you would like to see come to Christ. Pray for churches around the world that their members are unified to take on the enemy. With enthusiasm, praise the Creator and be thankful.

Here’s a link to a poem I wrote recently about being thankful: Thank you God.

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 120 – 123 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Invitation: Why Corporate Worship Matters (glennpackiam.typepad.com)
Reflection on Praise and Worship (poemsbymichelleyee.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Christ, Christianity, Church, Creator deity, God, praise the creator, Psalm, psalm 122, Religion and Spirituality | 4 Comments

Ascribe to the Lord – Psalm 29:1-3

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Mark Shields

Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
The God of glory thunders,
The Lord thunders over the mighty waters.

In all that you do, give God the glory. Live for Him and glorify Him with your talents and gifts; all that you do for your family and in your career. Here’s a video about handing things over to God and taking it to a new level: Steal My Show – TobyMac.