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

Everybody Needs A Team

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Mark Shields

We continued with the six part series at the church I worship at called “Game Plan”. The third in the series was last weekend titled “Everybody Needs A Team”. To listen or view you can click this link.

Fellowship Matters because we can reflect and receive God’s love. There are moments in life where everything comes together and we can say, “That’s why God made me”. We are made to be loved by God, to reciprocate that love by worshiping God, and to reflect God’s love.

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. ONE IS NOT GOD’S NUMBER.

“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.’ ” – Genesis 2:18 (NIV)

“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

We shouldn’t be alone but should be with others and the church is the place where we can fellowship and help each other in life.

2. WE FIND HELP IN COMMUNITY.

“If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” – Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NIV)

There is help in community.

3. WE FIND WARMTH IN COMMUNITY.

“And if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?” – Ecclesiastes 4:11 (NIV)

Sometimes we just need an encouraging word or a kind word from someone else.

“Then David danced with all his might before the Lord. He had on a holy linen vest. David and all the Israelites shouted with joy and blew the trumpets….” – 2 Samuel 6:14-15a (NCV)

4. WE FIND PROTECTION IN COMMUNITY.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

There is power in community because someone has your back.

5. WE FIND GROWTH IN COMMUNITY.

“As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.” – Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)

Sometimes we need someone to point out issues or offer suggestions when we get off track. We also need others in the body of Christ to encourage and give confidence.

6. WE FIND LOVE IN COMMUNITY.

“…As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

“We love because Christ first loves us.” – 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

The church down the street helps people and loves people. I hope this video inspires your day in the idea that we are better together: We Will Stand – Larnelle Harris and Russ Taff.

Say “No” to Anxiety! (work4christ.wordpress.com)
Doing It God’s Way! (psalmsofpraisewomensministries.wordpress.com)

Posted in Sermon Outline | Tagged Body of Christ, Christ, Church, Community, Confidence, Courage, Encouragement, fellowship, God, Growth, Kindness, Larnelle Harris, Lord, Love, Protection, Reflection, Russ Taff, Teamwork, Worship | 1 Comment

Healing Rain from Our Creator

Posted on October 2, 2012 by Mark Shields

Yesterday, I posted about Psalm 104 and how our Creator provides healing rain to satisfy the needs of earth. God is majestic and is involved in nature. Like faith, nature is many times invisible and intangible but constantly at work to provide for daily needs that sustains life. Today, I’d like to share a video that highlights this thought of faith providing for our needs: Healing Rain – Michael W. Smith.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1

Basking in the love-glow of rain and the Creator’s face (greatpoetrymhf.wordpress.com)
Some days are good other days are well…….. (jessegarboden.wordpress.com)
Spiritual Food That Satisfies The Soul (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Christianity, Creator, Creator deity, Energy Healing, Faith, healing rain, Health, hebrews 11 1, Nature, Psalm 104, religion, Religion and Spirituality, spirituality | Leave a comment

Spiritual Food That Satisfies The Soul

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Mark Shields

An estuary mouth and coastal waters, part of an aquatic ecosystem (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In Psalm 104, the psalmist tells us that the earth is built on God’s foundation. The Creator set in motion the natural cycles whereby the clouds produce vital rain which satisfies the needs of the land; the left over flowing into the oceans providing a home for all aquatic life. Some of the left over water evaporates back into the clouds to produce more rain and the cycle continues.

The healing rain satisfies the needs of earth to provide sustenance for its inhabitants through the care of God’s providence. Every part of nature calls on us to bless and praise God for what He has created; for His kindness in grace, the bread of everlasting life, the cup of salvation. Let our souls be touched by God’s grace, let us meditate on and praise Him.

This day with God will be amazing because like the oceans that are replenished with new water, we will be replenished with new uplifting stories, thoughts, and ideas. Let us reflect on our personal story. Who does God want us to share it with? As the roar of a lion is a natural desire for food, let us roar today in prayer for our desire of spiritual food that satisfies the soul.

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 103-105 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Full moon gratitude…a song of praise (greatpoetrymhf.wordpress.com)
Watch a majestic ‘stampede’ of dolphins off the coast of Cape Town (deathandtaxesmag.com)
10 Scriptures to Soothe Mommy’s Soul (heathertiger.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Bible Study, Christ, Christianity, climate, Creator deity, Faith, God, Nature, Psalm, religion, Religion and Spirituality, spirituality, travel, Vacation | 1 Comment

The Word of God

Posted on September 29, 2012 by Mark Shields

I’ve been sharing over the last few weekend’s on the core value of physical and mental health. Today I’d like to start laying out some strategies to build up this core value. There are various ways including getting help from family and friends or attitude and discipline but today I’d like to start with the Word of God.

The Word of God can brighten a day; providing lessons for the mind and food for the soul. These are two necessary elements in a healthy life that relieves stress and provides inner peace. In this world there will be trouble but we can take heart because there is comfort and value in Christ’s sufferings. We can lay our burdens down at the foot of the cross; access God’s power through prayer and His Word.

As I entered middle aged, my age started to show around my middle. The physical body became harder to maintain but with Jesus the Spiritual body remains connected to the nutritious vine that provides spiritual fitness forever. Those that believe in Jesus receive the water of the Spirit which flows from Him to bring stress free composure and inner peace in the present; making possible fitness and survival in difficulty.

Moses and Aaron did something great by getting water from a rock. The only problem is that there’s always the next thing. Once we do something amazing, there’s always a letdown but if we give all the credit to God, life is lived with staying power and meaning.
I remember an email I received from a friend that gave this strategy for keeping the momentum going and having a bright outlook. Every time you see a penny, look at the inscription “In God We Trust”. Let it be a message from God to not worry but trust in Him. The formula to a happy life now and into the future is (1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given).

Mistrust and anxiety are foes to good health but faith can rescue you from them because of God’s love through Christ and a hope for a bright future. When the snake bites in life, there’s one antidote that stops the poison and that is acceptance of Christ as Savior.

Worry is worthless but discovering the treasures of heaven is priceless. Believe that you have a purpose and achieve that which God has in store for you. The Bible gives us a set of rules. Following these rules brings peace of mind and eternal rewards. Not following brings on stress, chaos, and destruction.

With technology today, we can stay connected to the Word of God at all times and at all places. One way, I use technology to stay connected is using an on-line Bible. At this link is the 23rd Psalm which helps with worries. You can also listen to the Bible as you walk or workout. At this link is the 23rd Psalm in audio.

I submit to you today that the best vitamin or performance enhancer is the Word of God. The Word like adrenalin can start in motion the chemicals found naturally in the body to work. Giving you exactly what you need to increase your performance. Next weekend, I’ll continue with some other strategies for better physical and mental health which includes getting help from family, friends, and prayer.

An interest I’ve had for some time now is on ideas or strategies that might help build up families and neighborhoods. Someday, I hope to put these together in a book and call it “Neighbors United”. Another interest I have is in searching for ways to build up the economy. If I were to write a book about this, I would title it “Step Ahead”. I recently set up a facebook page that includes all three of my interests into one place. The page is called “This Day with God – Neighbors United – Step Ahead”. I’m currently in the process of liking other facebook pages that share my interest so I can learn and grow together with them. You can connect with this new page by liking it at this link.

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 103-105 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
prayer and the strength that comes from letting go (everydayawe.com)
Identity = God’s Child / Child of Man = Christ / Self (celiaelaine.wordpress.com)
The Bible is God’s Word (coffeeringstheology.wordpress.com)
What Are You Looking For (lynleahz.com)
How to Walk in the Power of God: Part 6 (theeyesoffaith.wordpress.com)

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Attitude, Bible, Christ, Core Values, Discipline, Faith, Family, Fitness, Friends, God, God’s Word, Health, Hope, Inner Peace, Lessons, Mental health, Performance, Physical Health, Power, Prayer, Psalm 23, Rewards, Soul, Spiritual Nutrition, Treasures, Word of God | 6 Comments

The Road to Hope and Joy

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Mark Shields

One road leads to despair but the other leads to joy and hope. The road map to the place we want to go is laid out in God’s Word. As laid out in Psalm 103, there is no beginning or end to God’s mercy. Our hope is not in some man-made movement but in the never changing eternal God who gives mercy through His grace. Claim His mercy by remembering all He has done in the past, obeying in the present, and following His will in the future. Christ alone forgives all our sins. Our hearts may wander but God’s grace restores our fellowship.

This day with God will be amazing because the road set before us will lead to what is pure, good, and lovely. He will show the way to go and as we continue the journey, my hope is that this video will give a little inspiration for your day: East To West – Casting Crowns.