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

Productive Wisdom from Heaven

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Mark Shields

Noticed in the journey through James 3:13-18 are two types of wisdom; one from heaven that is productive and one that is earthly and destructive. Productive wisdom is obtained by asking God and believing He will give it through lessons found in the Bible, the Holy Spirit speaking deep in your heart, and experiences of both ourselves and others.

In reading the passage, I couldn’t help but remember a show called Mayberry RFD. I was just a small child when the original TV show called the Andy Griffith show aired on CBS in the 1960’s. It had great down to Earth lessons on how to handle situations. Here’s a song about the show: Whatever Happened to Mayberry by Bill Floyd.

For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. – Proverbs 2:6

Two Kinds of Wisdom (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
New Year’s Resolve: Day 3! (1singlefocus.wordpress.com)
Proverbs – The basics of living a life with discipline and wisdom (Front to end of Proverbs) (ourcreator.wordpress.com)
Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit (saintlysages.wordpress.com)

Two Kinds of Wisdom

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Mark Shields

The Holy Spirit as a dove in the Annunciation, by Philippe de Champaigne, 1644 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Within James 3:13-18 are found characteristics of two kinds of wisdom. Spiritual wisdom is exemplified by good deeds, humility, purity, and sincerity. On the other hand, worldly wisdom is depicted by envy, selfish ambition, and disorder.

To me, today’s passage tells us that it doesn’t matter how many college degrees we have or how many books we’ve read. Spiritual wisdom which comes directly from God is what we need to live an abundant life. We can obtain wisdom by asking God and believing He will give it through lessons found in the Bible, the Holy Spirit speaking deep in our heart, and experiences of both ourselves and others.

We need to keep God in our homes, in our schools, and in our lives so spiritual values can be passed on to future generations. This day with God, let us pray for spiritual wisdom and humbly accept the responsibility to train others so the next generation is prepared.

Question 73 – About fulfilling our spiritual needs (gospelofoneness.wordpress.com)
The Spiritual Path (wanderingseer.wordpress.com)
Proverbs 9:10 (reversingverses.com)
I Am a Soldier in an Unseen War With an Unseen Enemy (coyfeetalksitup.wordpress.com)

Posted in James | Tagged Bible, Christianity, Experiences, Future, God, Good Deeds, Holy Spirit, HolySpirit, Humility, James, Purity, religion, Religion and Spirituality, selfish ambition, Sincerity, Spiritual Wisdom, spirituality, unseen enemy, unseen war, worldly wisdom | 5 Comments

Words and Leadership

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Mark Shields

After reading in James 3:1-12, I thought about how important words are when leading. What a leader says has a big influence and can throw a society into confusion or can encourage it to greatness. Thoughts that begin in the heart proceed out of the mouth so we need special help from God to say what is right. Here’s a speech from a great leader with words that inspire and unify: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speech – I Have a Dream.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. – Psalm 19:14

Southern Baptists and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. (gregoryccochran.com)
Honoring the Leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (christopherscottblog.typepad.com)

Posted in James | Tagged dr martin luther, dr martin luther king jr speech, God, Greatness, Heart, History, human-rights, I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World Special 75th Anniversary Edition (Martin Luther King Jr. born January 15 1929), Influence, Inspire, Leader, Leadership, Lord, Martin Luther King, People, politics, quotes, religion, Religion and Spirituality, Society, Speech, Thoughts, Unify, United States, Words | 4 Comments

Change the World with Words

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Mark Shields

Within James 3:1-12, the untamed tongue is described as being like a forest fire that starts with a small spark but then spreads out of control. It goes throughout the whole body to set the course of one’s life on fire (v. 6). Pastor Steve at my church said once in a sermon message that words are so important because they direct our life. Words may seem like a small thing but think about it, small things make a big difference; even a small child can direct a powerful horse with a small bit in its mouth.

Words are so powerful that we can change the world with expressions that are gentle and careful; words that help and encourage. Even at our work places, the Godly principles of generosity, tolerance, and kindness are spurred on by words that build up others, help gain customers, and keep each person working as a valued member of the company or organization.

As we begin a new year, let us believe each day will be amazing because God’s people are the greatest creation of all. Let us see greatness in our neighbors and pray that we treat everyone with kindness and tact.

North Carolina pastor publishes life-changing book (charlotte.news14.com)
A few words of kindness (transientreflections.com)

Posted in James | Tagged Christ, Church, Direction, Divinity, Encourage, Expressions, Generosity, God, Holy Spirit, James, Kindness, Neighbors, Power, religion, religion & spirituality, Tact, Tolerance, untamed tongue, Word, words of kindness | Leave a comment

A Friend that Goes with Us Everywhere

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Mark Shields

For many, Christmas is a time we look forward to and then there is a letdown but the feeling should last throughout the year. The Lord was born because we needed Him, He came that we might know Him more, He came that we might have life. Jesus lives in each of our hearts. He’s a friend that goes with us everywhere. Here’s a song that accentuates friendship: Thank You For Being A Friend – Andrew Gold. Have a Happy New Year! 🙂

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20