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

Fundamentals of the Game

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Mark Shields

A new six part series has started at the church I worship at called “Game Plan”. We will be looking at the most practical ways to discover and embrace God’s game plan for our life. The first in the series was yesterday titled “Fundamentals of the Game”. To listen or view you can click this link.

God communicates with clarity his game plan for our life but sometimes in our culture, it’s hard to understand. In Christ, God communicates how we can all win a spiritual Heisman trophy. The fundamentals of the game are loving God, making a difference, significant relationships, a life mission, and a growing faith.

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. LOVING GOD IS FUNDAMENTAL.

The scripture below defines who we are:

“ ‘Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?’ Jesus replied, ‘What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?’ The man answered, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘Right!’ Jesus told him.’ ” – Luke 10:25b-28a (NLT)

Many times we try to figure things out all by ourselves. Life can be complicated because there are so many strategies and books on how to be successful. We can work hard and think we can figure it out but the ONE who made us has the answers how to truly make it work.

2. MAKING A DIFFERENCE IS FUNDAMENTAL.

“Jesus came and told the disciples, ‘I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ ” – Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)

What we do in this world will resonate in eternity. We all want to have a life that matters because that’s how God made us. He made us with a drive, a dream, and a hope.

3. SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIPS ARE FUNDAMENTAL.

“Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? Then make Me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.” – Philippians 2:1-2 (NLT)

When we join a church, we become a part of a family with a purpose that is extremely important. We get to choose Christ and be a part of God’s family.

4. A LIFE MISSION IS FUNDAMENTAL.

“As You sent Me into the world, I am sending them into the world.” – John 17:18 (NLT)

God sent Jesus and Jesus sends His disciples so the world will learn His way. We can achieve great things and be successful but what really matters? What do we put into our tool box to fix or maintain life? Do we think about the dollar signs, the houses, the cars? What we need to put in the box is the cross.

5. A GROWING FAITH IS FUNDAMENTAL.

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts, Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” – Colossians 3:1-3 (NLT)

Join us next week and we will continue to define what needs to go into our tool box. I hope this video will give a lift for your day as you consider the importance of putting in the things of God: Me Without You – TobyMac.

Job 36:5-6 – DOES GOD DESPISE ME? (pastorross1.wordpress.com)
Personal Encounter with Jesus: ground for discipleship (junjunfaithbook.com)

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Christ, Christianity, Church, Cross, Dream, Eternity, Faith, Family, Game Plan, God, Gospel of Matthew, Holy Spirit, Hope, Loving God, Matthew, Mission, Podcast, Relationships | 3 Comments

Abundant Life with a Bright Outlook

Posted on September 15, 2012 by Mark Shields

The mission of this blog is to demonstrate an instrument for Bible study that uses technology to develop a better way to study the Bible by integrating the principles or core values God gives into our daily life at work and at home. One core value God gives that I think is important is to take care of our physical and mental body.

To continue with the benefits of good physical and mental health, we need to understand that happiness is short term but joy last forever. People get excited about snow in central Texas and when it happens, they build a snow man. But it melts the next day. With God’s word, you build something inside which last forever and can never melt away. Some ways to brighten or warm up your day is to seek the truth of His Word, experience the joy Christ gives, and be aware of the wonder in Creation. These are the true treasures.

Being able to adapt to circumstances, having self-control, and just being a good person are the best prescription for a sound mind and body. The trials we face in this world are not easy but we can believe that our reward is with Christ.

God placed extreme value on us, created us in His image, and crowned us with tremendous honor when He sent His Son to die for us. Because of what He has done for us, we need to give ourselves a chance to be happy. With Christ, we have a chance for abundant life today that only gets better in the long term with daily transformation; growing in grace and a future beyond our wildest imagination.

Take Care of God’s Temple and Honor Him
Take care of yourself because you are God’s temple; a holy place for the Spirit. Honor God with regular exercise, healthy eating, and good sleeping habits. Don’t misuse your body by smoking, drinking, overeating, or being promiscuous. Find your true love and demonstrate devotion. Clear your path to life with enthusiasm, passion, and peace of mind.

A physical workout builds physical muscle and in a similar way we can build muscles of faith by studying God’s Word, prayer, and by listening for direction from the Holy Spirit. If we plant seeds of Christ’s core values into a fertile soul and water with the Spirit, the result is abundant growth.

Next weekend, I’ll continue with the core value of physical and mental health.

Affects of Good Physical and Mental Health on Society (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Workers Deserve A Holiday (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Jesus is the Good Shepard ! (quovadisohdomine.wordpress.com)
The Law and Gospel in Marriage (passionatechristianmarriage.wordpress.com)

Posted in Physical and Mental Health | Tagged Bible, Bible Study, Christ, Core Values, Creation, Devotion, enthusiasm, Exercise, Faith, God, God’s Word, Grace, Growth, Happiness, HolySpirit, Joy, Mental health, Mission, Passion, Path, Peace, Physical and Mental Health, Prayer, Principles, Rewards, Spirit, Technology, Texas, Transformation, Treasures | 1 Comment

Conditioning the Spirit

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Mark Shields

Physical exercise conditions the body whereas repeated thoughts about our love of God and singing about it conditions the Spirit. I’d like to pass on a video that conditions the Spirit: Love the Lord – Lincoln Brewster.

God is always present and there for us to go to Him in prayer. He can lead us to a bright future, be our counselor, and rule our life like a prince. Let us spend spend time in prayer now; putting away the cares and concerns of the day in order to listen for the Holy Spirit so that the proper steps are laid out to living this day with Him to the fullest.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit (jewelindapalace.wordpress.com)
Prayer as Relationship with God (V) (frted.wordpress.com)
How Is Quiet Found? (celiaelaine.wordpress.com)
If only we knew… (unikcat.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Bible, Christianity, Exercise, God, Holy Spirit, HolySpirit, Jesus, Love, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality, Spirit, Workout | 2 Comments

Exercise for the Soul

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Mark Shields

English: Yokosuka, Japan (Jan. 18, 2006) – Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Socorro Huynh gets in a workout with other patrons at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka’s new fitness facility. The new multi-million dollar facility contains exercise equipment, which includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Chantel M. Clayton (RELEASED) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A physical workout requires repeated exercises that over time builds muscle and conditions the body whereas our spiritual body requires repeated thoughts about our love of God. The exercise equipment for Spiritual growth is God’s Word; reading, studying, singing, writing, and sharing God’s Word.

As written about in Psalm 99, God is king over all the nations; holy or separated from sin who loves justice. We can extend holiness by following His principles and worshiping Him. Like a lighthouse that makes no noise but just shines, we can live a holy life by simply doing what we do best and letting our light shine for the world to see.

This day with God will be amazing because His principles never change and this allows us to consistently grow each day. A daily devotional time internalizes His guiding principles becoming an instrument which pushes us to focus on Him in every activity throughout our day. God is holy and He wants us to be the same.

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 97-99 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Under 30 Minute Circuit (katieept.com)
Are you well rested? (mikealbano.org)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Exercise, Exercise equipment, God, God’s Word, Growth, Physical exercise, Psalm 99, Religion and Spirituality, Shine the Light, Spirit, Spiritual formation, Worship | 2 Comments

Mission Accomplished

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Mark Shields

The Saturn V carrying Apollo 11 took several seconds to clear the launch tower on 16 July 1969. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This past weekend’s message at the church I attend is titled “Mission Accomplished” To listen or view you can click this link. John Kennedy set in motion a mission to put a man on the moon which was culminated in July of 1969. Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon who passed away a few weeks ago. Leaders like Armstrong and Kennedy can put in motion great accomplishments but it takes God being our leader before doors are opened and the impossible becomes possible.

In the book of Isaiah, we get a picture of a nation in a dark time but God talked to a leader named Isaiah and gave words of hope for a brighter future. 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. THERE IS A PRINCIPLE AND A PRESENCE.

“All people everywhere, follow Me and be saved. I am God. There is no other God.” – Isaiah 45:22 (NCV)

God’s truth gives a promise and He is with us always. When life comes apart, God has an answer for those that turn to Him, listen, and follow.

2. THERE IS A CREATOR AND A COMMUNICATION.

“The Lord created the heavens, He is the God who formed the earth and made it. He did not want it to be empty, but he wanted life on the earth. This is what the Lord says: ‘I am the Lord. There is no other God. I did not speak in secret, or hide My words in some dark place.” – Isaiah 45:18-19a (NCV)

There is an amazing creative God who made it all. Don’t miss His instruction that turns chaos into order. See the warning signs that help us make the corrections needed along the way. God made us for meaning, purpose, and a life of order.

3. THERE IS REDEMPTION AND A RESTORATION.

“You people who have escaped from other nations, gather together and come before me; come near together. People who carry idols of wood don’t know what they are doing. They pray to a god who cannot save them.” – Isaiah 45:20 (NCV)

God will not leave you where you are. Follow in His steps because these steps are more important than Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon.

4. THERE IS A PREDICTION AND A PROMISE.

“I will make a promise by My own power, and My promise is true; what I say will not be changed. I promise that everyone will bow before Me and will promise to follow Me. People will say about Me, ‘Goodness and power come only from the Lord.’ ” – Isaiah 45:23-24a (NCV)

Life is about choices and we can choose for God today. Keep looking and following; turn to meet God face to face and don’t be troubled but follow Him. Neil Armstrong taking the first steps on the moon was a remarkable technological accomplishment. The first step we take toward God is even more amazing. The ONE who created it all will lead us to places we can only dream about; indescribable places. I hope this video will give a lift for your day: Indescribable – Chris Tomlin.