Just Finished the Book Seven Days in Utopia

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Mark Shields
Seven Days in Utopia

Seven Days in Utopia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I just finished a great book titled “Seven Days In Utopia: Golf’s Sacred Journey” by David L. Cook. I had the opportunity to attend a seminar he gave at my church about eight years ago. In fact, David is from Waco and his parents are members of the same church I attend. He married the daughter of a long time pastor who served at First United Methodist Waco for many years.

David is one of the country’s top speakers and coaches on Peak Performance and served as “Mental Training Coach” for the San Antonio Spurs from 1996-2004 that included two World Championships.

He now has a consulting firm that bridges the gap between the sports and business arenas to help individuals reach peak performance. His clients include companies like Exxon Mobil, Sprint, and American Express among many others.

The book was made into a movie in the summer of 2010 with Robert Duvall as lead actor and released in theaters across the country September of 2011. I would definitely recommend the book. I found it to inspire each of us to look at life in a different way so we can overcome the hazards, give it our best shot in life, and reach our maximum potential.

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Every Person is Important

Posted on February 2, 2013 by Mark Shields

Recorded in 1 Chronicles 7-9 are a list of names remembered for eternity in the most published book of all time. Every person is important to God and He sent his son to die for all. The question for each of us is what can we do to glorify His name? What epitaph will they write on our grave stone? What will we be remembered for?

Our job is to reflect on these questions to try and determine what the answers are, get involved with a passion to follow God’s will, and finish the race victoriously with enthusiasm. This day with God, here’s a pep talk from Kid President to You.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. – 1 Corinthians 9:24

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Giving God Our Best

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Mark Shields

Most of the people during the time of 1 Chronicles 7-9 worked in agriculture but some were also soldiers, guards, and some worked for the house of the Lord like the Levites. Our God is a God of order and when everyone understands they have a duty and makes a business of it, the work will likely be done well. Every day can be an adventure if you have a zest for what you do and do it to glorify God. If you are washing dishes, repairing a machine, selling a product, growing a crop, raising a family; whatever your role is at the time, praise God and give glory to Him while you fulfill that role.

Think about things you could change now like slowing down a little, considering the needs of others, or making a difference in your community. Maybe show more appreciation to those that have helped over the years or be less angry when things don’t work out exactly as planned. Maybe work harder to make sure others are shown respect or wear a smile when you meet others. Each step of each day can be lived enthusiastically for God’s glory.

You’ve heard of the saying “Nice Guys Finish Last”. Well, a study was done which found
just the opposite. Nice guys finish first because this study found that being kind provides a climate which leads individuals to maximize their potential. It’s like a sprinter running on aBible Study fast track with a slight breeze pushing them to break the record. Everything runs more effectively and more efficiently when emphasis is put into making others happy or providing customer service. Examples are found in business, politics, and in communities everywhere.

If you look at a grave marker, you will either see a dash or a space that separates the birth date and the death date. At a funeral, these dates are always mentioned but it’s the dash or space between the dates that really matters. The loved ones of those being memorialized know what that dash or space means. It’s not the cars, the house, the cash but how they lived.

As we live out this day with God, let us be inspired by Him to spend our dash in an enthusiastic way. We can pray, listen for instructions, and get things done now. Opportunities to do great things are right in front of us so let’s give God our best.

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Questions for Reflection – 1 Chronicles 7-11

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Mark Shields

So far in 1 Chronicles 1-6, some valuable lessons have been learned. In reading the genealogical records, the thought come to mind that everyone’s life matters. Your life matters to your parents and if you have children, your life matters to them. It also matters to God. What we do in life affects future generations so it is important to discover our God given strengths and make a difference.

Reading the names in 1 Chronicles makes one think and questions come to mind. What will be carved on my headstone? What will be the epitaph? What would I like to be remembered for? In seeking and finding answers, there is a resolve to get involved with a passion to make it happen. There becomes a desire to finish the race victoriously with enthusiasm.

In recent readings was found the Levite’s main purpose in life which was to care for the house of God. The reading helped me to think about God’s purpose for my life and what roles I should assume to fulfill that purpose? Other thoughts where do I feel a part of something big? What role can I fill within my community, neighborhood, or church? Will I make a difference to future generations?

It’s good to ask questions and reflect. As I continue the journey 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 7-9
Passage Lookup
What clues does this account give you about the daily life of the people? Note the care and precision involved in caring for the house of the Lord. What characteristic of God does all this reflect?

1 Chronicles 10
Passage Lookup
Why does Saul commit suicide? How do Saul’s personal choices affect the whole kingdom? How do you go about making decisions in your life?

1 Chronicles 11
Passage Lookup
Why do the people now make David king? What does this chapter teach about leadership?

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

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Testing and Approving His Will

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Mark Shields

Reading and sharing yesterday about 1 Chronicles 5-6, I noted that the Levites purpose was to care for the house of God (1 Chronicles 6:48-49). What definite purpose has God given you? What roles do you assume to fulfill that purpose?

This day with God, there is a video that ties in with yesterday’s post. It will hopefully provide inspiration, encourage worship, or offer a pick-me-up. Just click this link: Who Am I – Casting Crowns or on the video below. God Bless! 🙂

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2

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