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

Zechariah 5-8 Questions for Reflection

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Mark Shields

So far in my study of the book of Zechariah, I’ve read about how Zechariah is arousing the Jews to rebuild the Temple at Jerusalem. Because of Jesus, we know today that we are the Temple of God. His Spirit lives in us. Since we are the Temple of God, I believe we can get some good ideas from Zechariah in how to maintain and rebuild the temple throughout life. Like the focus of anyone as they build a project, to build a successful life requires focus. Our focus should be on God because He teaches in various ways through life circumstances, through other people, and in the Bible. The lessons can be internalized for effective living.

Learning, preparing for a career and success are important but most important is God’s Love which is activated by depending on Him. Jesus is God’s love in action that saves souls now and promises big plans for the future. Like the plans to building a house, the Bible is God’s plan for our life and priorities are the foundation. Our number one priority is to build upon a solid faith in Jesus Christ. We then can condition our heart by remembering the lessons, applying them in life, and sharing these lasting treasures with others.

What is needed more in the world today is the courage to stand up, admit mistakes, and do what’s right. Then to set out in a new direction being guided by God’s will and gaining confidence along the way by receiving the power of the Holy Spirit to keep going. That’s why a daily study of God’s Word is so important. We are given a guide to live by and help us make the needed adjustments as we build and maintain our temple.

My attention will now lead into the study of Zechariah 5-8. The questions below will be used to 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.

Zechariah 5-6
Passage Lookup
What aspect of God’s character is seen in the sixth vision? What does the seventh vision reveal about evil and God’s control over it? How do you intend to diligently obey the voice of the Lord today?

Zechariah 7
Passage Lookup
What are the outward signs that are to characterize true goodness? What will be the contribution or service in your life? What is the relationship between prayer and duty in your life?

Zechariah 8
Passage Lookup
How has God been firm yet tender with you? To what extent does verse 23 describe your influence? Ask yourself, am I limiting God’s power in my life by trying to hide a weakness? What do I need to be honest about in order to help others?
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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
Family Times

Permission to explore (thelefthandofbelief.wordpress.com)
Zechariah: Visions and Prophecies (raymondjclements.wordpress.com)

Posted in Zechariah | Tagged Bible, Bible Verses, Book of Zechariah, Confidence, Courage, Focus, God, Holy Spirit, HolySpirit, Inspiration, Jews, Learning, Love, Preparing, Priorities, Success, Temple, Treasure, Videos, Zechariah | 2 Comments

The Story of Your Life

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Mark Shields

A new sermon series called “Your Move” started this past weekend at First United Methodist Church Waco. The first message was titled “The Story of Your Life”. We all have choices to make. In fact, next week we have a chance to vote.

How do we make decisions? The Bible is God’s plan for our life so it facilitates decision making as we go through the various stages of life. Over the next few weeks, the new sermon series will concentrate on the financial decisions we make. Financial wisdom does matter and for that reason, about two thirds of the parables concern our decisions about our finances.

Below is an outline of the message. The words in black are notes provided by the church staff and the notes in blue are notes added while listening to the Podcast.

1. THOU SHALT REMEMBER THE OWNER.

Everything is the Lord’s. Believe this and it will change the way you handle your finances for the rest of your life.

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. – Psalm 24:1-2

2. THOU SHALT EMBRACE THY WORK.

In Colossians, we learn about how important work is. God gave our work to us. We should embrace it and try to do our work the best we can. A job builds esteem, spirit, and joy.

3. THOU SHALT STAY OUT OF DEBT.

In proverbs, we learn about the fact that Debt is devastating. It damages nations, regions, and individuals. Debt destroys our power to make a living.

4. THOU SHALT TEACH THY CHILDREN ABOUT MONEY.

Teach children about tithing, wisdom in finances, humility, generosity, and credit card debt.

5. THOU SHALT HAVE A PLAN.

In Corinthians, Paul wrote about a plan for the offering to the church. A plan matters so ask God every day His plan for your life.

6. THOU SHALT DECLARE ENOUGH

A lot of times we want more and more but at some point we need to declare that we have enough and be disciplined to not buy more.

7. THOU SHALT NOT USE MONEY TO KEEP SCORE.

In the United States, many times we keep score in these two ways:
1.) How does a person look?
2.) How much money does a person have?

The Bible says to keep score by how much faith a person has.

8. THOU SHALT LOOK AROUND.

He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done. – Proverbs 19:17

9. THOU SHALT FOLLOW WISE COUNSEL

Have someone around you that will hold you accountable.

10. THOU SHALT EXPECT A FINAL AUDIT.

God only wants 10% and this builds the church and helps the poor.

Feel free to use this outline and message to study or share with others. There is also a Podcast of all sermons at First United Methodist Church Waco Podcast.

United Methodist Committee on Relief Responds to Hurricane Sandy (prnewswire.com)
Psalm 138. A Prayer Of Thanksgiving. The LORD’s Goodness To The Faithful (bummyla.wordpress.com)

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, Church, Decisions, Finances, first united methodist church, First United Methodist Church Waco Podcast, God, Methodist, Parables, Plan, Podcast, religion, Religion and Spirituality, Sermon, United Methodist, United Methodist Church, United States | 1 Comment

Admitting Mistakes and Setting Out in a New Direction

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Mark Shields

The main thought for me after reflecting on yesterday’s post is that God’s people need the courage to stand up, admit mistakes of the past, and do what’s right. Then set out in a new direction being guided by God’s will and gaining confidence along the way by receiving the power of the Holy Spirit to keep going. There is a video that emphasizes these same values that I’d like to share now: Courageous – Casting Crowns.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6

The Oil Of The Holy Spirit! by Lanie Davvy October 30, 2012 (faithcenter.wordpress.com)
Encourage Yourself (upliftingchrist.wordpress.com)
How to Let God Direct MY Steps (revtimthinks.com)

Posted in Zechariah | Tagged Bible, Casting Crown, Casting Crowns, Christianity, Confidence, Courage, gaining confidence, God, Holy Spirit, HolySpirit, Lord, Power, power of the holy spirit, Religion and Spirituality | Leave a comment

Courage Needed

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Mark Shields

Holy Spirit painting (Photo credit: hickory hardscrabble)

Two more visions are presented in Zechariah 3-4. In the fourth vision, Joshua the priest represents Israel which is a city culturally polluted and unclean until washed and sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. The fifth vision is about the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives power and confidence to do God’s work.

God’s people need the courage to stand up, admit mistakes of the past, and do what’s right. Then set out in a new direction being guided by God’s will and gaining confidence along the way by receiving the power of the Holy Spirit to keep going. Here’s a link to a post asking a good question: Has the Truth About Christ Filled You with Courage?

Remember Daniel as he faced the lions. The only weapon he had was prayer. Today, we can have the courage to get honest with God in prayer about our past and ask for cleansing in Jesus Christ. This will provide the freedom to set out in a new direction with confidence.

This day with God will be amazing because like a mountain; standing rock solid over time and protecting us in our time of need. We can take courage because the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit is always there for us.

Today’s Prayer – Facing Fears (mychristiancoffeeshop.wordpress.com)
Morning Prayer ~ October 24, 2012 (ronpogue.typepad.com)

Posted in Zechariah | Tagged Christ, Christianity, Courage, Faith, Father, gaining confidence, God, God the Father, God’s Work, Holy Spirit, HolySpirit, Israel, Jesus Christ, Joshua, morning prayer, Power, power of the holy spirit, Prayer, Son | 2 Comments

His Love Lifts Up

Posted on October 28, 2012 by Mark Shields

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Waco Texas was held Saturday into Sunday morning at the Baylor Hart-Patterson Track. I have been a participant for each year since 2006.

It was a tough year for me in 2006 as I lost my mom and a life-long family friend to cancer that year. It is during difficult times that God’s love can lift you up like this video affirms: Lift Me Up – The Afters.