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

Attention to God

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Mark Shields

After studying and reflecting on yesterday’s reading of Zechariah 1:1-6, the thought that came to mind was the importance of our attention to God. Like the focus of an athlete in training for their sport, we should focus on God. He teaches in various ways through life circumstances, through other people, and in the Bible. The lessons can be internalized for effective living.

No one can be with you every step like God can. Like this video: Stop The World – Matthew West, we need to eliminate distractions, say a prayer, and listen for instructions. God is with us in every situation and will help us make the needed adjustments and do what’s right.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – James 1:19

“In God” do we still trust? (triblive.com)
Equipped For Your Calling (consecratedtohim.com)

Posted in Zechariah | Tagged Attention, Bible, Christ, Christianity, dear brothers, Evangelism, God, Jesus, Life Circumstances, Listen, Matthew West, Prayer, Reflection, religion, Religion and Spirituality, spirituality, Study, Zechariah | 1 Comment

God is Present in Every Circumstance

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Mark Shields

After reading Zechariah 1:1-6, the message for me is to take in lessons from history, learn from mistakes, and make the adjustments with a new outlook towards the future. A great future awaits those who put God first with obedience and initiative. We don’t always have good examples to follow but the model we have in Christ is beyond any other.

Each day is a new day and we have to evaluate every circumstance. When I was around twelve years old, I was able to travel with my hometown high school football team since my Dad was on the coaching staff and the head coach had a son my age. We would help with various duties like provide Gatorade for the players or dry wet footballs with towels.

We were in El Campo Texas one time playing the local team in a practice game. El Campo is near the Gulf of Mexico and there was a tropical storm brewing. Our Dad’s had told us to stay on the side line and not wonder off. About half way into the scrimmage, it started pouring rain.

It was raining so hard, they called off the practice game and both teams went inside the locker room. After our dad’s had talked to the team, they looked around and wondered where we were. We were doing what they had told us and had stayed on the side line. We were smart enough to get under a bench.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned that parents and most people want what is best for us but there is no one like God to help in making decisions. This Day with God, I’m praying to stay focused on God’s presence and slow down for a while to listen for the Holy Spirit’s direction.

Peace (thetuckle.wordpress.com)
Clean Out Your Closet: Doubt (abriellev.wordpress.com)
Zechariah 1-4 Question for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Faith Based Frustration Fighters (faithinspires.wordpress.com)

Posted in Zechariah | Tagged Christ, Decisions, El Campo, El Campo Texas, Future, Gatorade, God, Gulf of Mexico, History, Holy Spirit, Learn, Lessons, Listen, Obedience, Texas | 2 Comments

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