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

Zechariah 1-4 Questions for Reflection

Posted on October 20, 2012 by Mark Shields

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.

I’ve finished the study of Haggai; a prophet that gave courage to the people to complete the Temple. The main lesson learned for me in my study is that there is advantage in discovering a channel of decision making that begins with God who knows the best way. Disciplined effort to follow the clear path along with determination leads to progress and joy.

My attention will now turn to studying the book of Zechariah. I will make use of the questions below as I study each passage listed. 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.

Zechariah 1:1-6
Passage Lookup
What does this section teach about the Word of God? List any experiences where God’s Word has caught up with you. What should our attitude be toward God’s Word?

Zechariah 1:7-2:13
Passage Lookup
The visions of Zechariah encourage the people in their work for God. List the basic message in each of the three visions. Who is the man riding the red horse and who is Zechariah talking to? In verse 2:8, God describes the people of Zion as the “Apple of His Eye”. In what ways are you also the “Apple of His Eye”?

Zechariah 3-4
Passage Lookup
In the fourth vision, whom does Joshua represent? Upon what conditions are you promised access to God’s presence? Upon what confidence are you performing God’s work? __________________________________________

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

Pearls of Wisdom. {10.14-20.12} (workofheartandsoul.wordpress.com)
Do Not Despise These Small Beginnings, For The LORD Rejoices To See The Work Begin. Zechariah 4:10 (NLT) (bummyla.wordpress.com)

Posted in Zechariah | Tagged Bible, Christ, Christianity, Faith, favorite bible verses, first united methodist, God, Haggai, Heart, Jesus Christ, Lessons, Path, religion, United Methodist Church, Zechariah | 5 Comments

The Best Way

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Mark Shields

At the point of writing Haggai 2:10-23, the harvest was small in Israel. The contamination of sin had limited the productivity of their crops. As the people obeyed God and took small steps toward His will, productivity followed. Activities in the temple would not clean up their sin; only repentance and obedience could do that.

Wrong attitudes and association with those who have bad habits will pollute our environment but God has chosen us to start the cleanup process because we are valued in God’s eyes, disciplined, and ready to work for Him. There is advantage in discovering a channel of decision making that begins with God who knows the best way. Disciplined effort to follow the clear path along with determination leads to progress and joy. All it takes is that first step and God’s blessings are the reward.

The first step is laid out in this video: Lead Me To The Cross – Hillsong.

Electronic items need a power source; either being plugged in or requiring a battery to work. We are in need of the power that God gives in the Holy Spirit to make our life work. Jesus Christ connects us to God. The next few steps consist of reading His instruction manual, keeping our battery charged, and being ready to do His work.

To You My Lord (shelleywilliamsblog.com)
The Discipline of Choices (challies.com)

Posted in Haggai | Tagged Christianity, Discipline, God, God’s Work, Haggai, Harvest, Holy Spirit, Israel, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Obedience, Power, Religion and Spirituality | 1 Comment

Taking Courage With The Voice Of Truth

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Mark Shields

As brought out in yesterday’s post, the word of God comes through the prophet Haggai to inspire courage. In what ways can we be inspired in courage? One way is to listen to Christian songs or watch Christian videos. A while back, I developed this video that I believe inspires courage: Voice of Truth – Casting Crowns. Taking courage with the voice of truth leads to victory.

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 or forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6

Take Courage (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Voice of Truth (barrentoblessed.wordpress.com)
Listen up! (beckydietz.wordpress.com)
Find Your Courage! (hlomies.wordpress.com)

Posted in Haggai | Tagged Casting Crown, Christian Songs, Christian Videos, Christianity, Courage, Faith, God, Haggai, Inspiration, Lord, prophet, religion, Religion and Spirituality, Strength, Voice of Truth, voice of truth casting crowns, Word of God, www youtube | 7 Comments

Take Courage

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Mark Shields

Courage (Photo credit: Pete Reed)

Pressure is mounting in Haggai 2:1-9 to rebuild the temple to the glorious state it was during Solomon’s time. The Lord is stirring the people to carry out the work (v.4). The word of God comes through the prophet Haggai for the people to take courage. In what ways do you need to take courage? As stated in a post of a fellow blogger at this link: Justification By Grace, the truth of Christ can fill us with courage.

Christ is prophesied (v. 7) and as explained in the gospel writings, we are each chosen as the Temple. Because of our acceptance of Christ as Savior, the Spirit lives in us and we can be encouraged that God is with us. We can gain strength and courage from prayer, Bible study, and worship. This is the first step and the second is to apply our faith in how we live at work or home.

Building up spiritual strength is similar to building up physical strength and needs some attention. Many pay attention to their physical work outs. Go to any health club and you will see exercise equipment for all muscle groups. In a way, all that read or write about faith are creating exercises for the Spirit. We are developing thoughts and ideas through writing or responding that help build healthy souls.

Today, I’m praying for my walk with God. It will be an amazing day because He is beside me all the way. We can all take courage and feel protected because we are a cherished child of His.

Letting Go of Fear (bradnd24.wordpress.com)
The Six Attributes of Courage (psychologytoday.com)
Step 2 (starrynight2204.wordpress.com)

Posted in Haggai | Tagged Bible, Bible Study, Christ, Christianity, Courage, courage christ, Faith, God, Grace, Prayer, prayer bible study, prophet haggai, religion, Solomon, Soul, Spirit, Temple | 6 Comments

Game Plan

Posted on October 16, 2012 by Mark Shields

The message this past weekend at my church was titled “Game Plan”. Brought out in the message was this question “why do we dream so small?” Dreams should be big because God is big. We should also realize that God’s plan for our life is unique. Pray this prayer: God would you show me your plan for my life? A spiritual gift is given to each of us to help His church.

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 I added as I listened to the Podcast.

1. RULE # 1: TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH.

“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him….He went without knowing where he was going.” – Hebrews 11:8 (NLT)

Take a leap of faith and God will show you what He can do. Together, there’s nothing we can’t do

2. RULE # 2: SOMETIMES YOUR GREATEST GIFTS ARE YOUR WOUNDS, NOT YOUR COMPETENCIES

“Each time he said, ‘My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness….” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

The hurts in our life defines how God might use us for great purposes.

3. RULE # 3: GOD’S SCOREBOARD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS. DON’T FORFEIT THE GAME!

“ ‘Anyone who wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.’ ” – Mark 9:35b (NLT)

God measures success differently. The moments of faith that we don’t even know about are what matters the most. We may think we struck out but we may have hit a home run. We may never know how the things we do and say make a difference in someone’s life.

4. RULE # 4: GET ON THE FIELD AND LEAN INTO YOUR GIFTS.

“Use the gift you have, which was given to you through prophecy when the group of elders laid their hands on you. Continue to do those things; give your life to doing them so your progress may be seen by everyone.” – 1Timothy 4:14-15 (NCV)

Just use the gifts God has given you. God will bring success and everyone will be blessed.

5. RULE # 5: GOD’S GIFTS AND GOD’S PLAN GO TOGETHER.

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us the spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:6-7(NLT)

God has placed a fire within us and He has given each of us gifts but we must open them up. Once opened, God will bring success and everyone will be blessed. Ask Him each day: GOD, WOULD YOU SHOW ME YOUR PLAN FOR MY LIFE?

Feel free to use this outline and message to study or share with others. There is also a Podcast of all sermons at this link. I found this video below and I hope it will inspire your day as much as it has mine: Be Somebody – Thousand Foot Krutch. God Bless! 🙂