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

Haggai 1–2 Questions for Reflection

Posted on October 11, 2012 by Mark Shields

For a time now, I’ve been sharing some thoughts as I studied the Psalms. The journey now takes me into the book of Haggai to study about a prophet sent by God to stir up the people and finish the Temple. Come along with me or check back daily to read some of my reflections on this reading. I think you’ll find some good lessons that we can all apply in life.

A daily devotional time pushes us to focus on God. The questions below are to be used to provide fuel for my thoughts as I study 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.

Haggai 1
Passage Lookup
What is the historical context of Haggai’s message? What excuses do the people offer on not rebuilding the Lord’s house? To what extent are you busy on your career, home, vacation, or other leisure activities rather than doing God’s work?

Haggai 2:1-9
Passage Lookup
How do you feel when you have to live up to certain expectations? How can we take courage?

Haggai 2:10-23
Passage Lookup
What are the channels for decision-making? What is the relationship between obedience and prosperity? What has God already told me in his Word that I haven’t started doing yet?
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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

2012 Quarter 3 Bible Reading Report (fillingmypatchofsky.com)
Rebuilding God’s Temple! (psalmsofpraisewomensministries.wordpress.com)
Haggai (blmoffit.wordpress.com)

Posted in Haggai | Tagged Bible, Christ, Devotional, God, Haggai, Journey, Lessons, Psalm, Reflection, Temple | 1 Comment

Our Play Book

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Mark Shields

This week’s message in the six part series called “Game Plan” is titled “Play Book”. The universal church is the spiritual team of God. To keep us on track, the Bible constantly trains the body of Christ. Like our “Play Book”, we can study or practice together and the Holy Spirit helps us apply what the Bible tells us to do. 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.

Getting off track.
1 Timothy 4:1-5

It’s so easy to get off track and spend our time in activities that are not significant. We chase after things that we want to do rather than what God wants us to do. Sometimes the answer is simple and believing in the ONE who has all the answers seems too easy.

Train yourself!
1 Timothy 4:6-9

We are each in charge of our own training. We need to take our own responsibility for our walk. We need to keep track of where our time is spent, where our money is spent, and what our thoughts are on.

Two reliable Sources.
1 Timothy 4:11-14

Scripture – The whole body of Christ has the Bible which is our “Play Book” which we can study and practice together

God’s Holy Spirit – The Spirit helps us apply what the Bible tells us

Excel!
1 Timothy 4:15-16

People around us ought to see a difference in our actions.

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 hope this video inspires your day as we study and practice the “Play Book” together: I Will Follow – Maranatha Singers.

A Body of Believers (foodandfaithforwomen.com)
Purify Yourself (genesisone.wordpress.com)

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Actions, Bible, Bible Study, Body of Christ, Christ, Game Plan, God, Holy Spirit, HolySpirit, Maranatha Singers, Play Book, Podcast, Sermons, Teamwork, Timothy | 2 Comments

Weapons Against The Competition

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Mark Shields

There is competition we face every day; determination competes against doubt, passion against apathy, sacrifice against safety. The challenge for us is to learn about the qualities of Christ so we can use them as weapons against this competition; bringing victory for our team and getting others to join in.

Whenever we feel down or feel that our thoughts are more negative or we neglect to do as we should, videos like this one can help get us back on track and understand just how much God loves us. Here’s the link or click on the video below to watch and listen: My Savior My God – Aaron Shust.

Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” – Revelation 5:5

The Call for the Church from Colossians PI (acts29.org)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Aaron Shust, Challenge, Christ, Competition, David, determination, God, lion of the tribe of judah, My Savior My God, Passion, Religion and Spirituality, Sacrifice, tribe of judah, victory | 8 Comments

Worthy Because of Christ

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Mark Shields

English: Moses Pleading with Israel, as in Deuteronomy 6:1-15, illustration from a Bible card published 1907 by the Providence Lithograph Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Covered in Psalm 106 are events from Moses leading God’s people out of Egypt to when Israel was taken by the Babylonians. The people were being led to the Promised Land but on the journey, they complained about the need to satisfy their immediate wants rather than focusing on pleasing God.

Their downward path led to idol worship, sacrifices, and immorality which led to a separation from God. Eventually they became exiles in Babylon but God’s compassion and mercy continued to be with them; saving them from their captivity just as He does today by saving His people from the captive state of sin through His Son.

The challenge for us this day with God is to be aware when we are going down the wrong path, stop, put it in reverse and think about what He has done and can do for the future. Then, go down the path He has laid and enjoy the ride. Let hope give optimism in a time of despair, faith give courage in time of doubt, and let love bring victory in a time of hate. Before we can be victorious, we have to believe we are worthy and this Day with God will be amazing because Christ makes us worthy.

Life is Gospel-Shaped (Phil 1:27-30). (tithebarn.wordpress.com)
Are You Worthy of God’s Trust? (promisebook.net)
Destination Christ (breadforthebride.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Babylon, Challenge, Christ, Christianity, Courage, Egypt, Faith, God, Hope, Israel, Journey, Love, Moses, Optimism, Path, pleasing god, Promised Land, Psalm, religion, spirituality, time of despair, victory | 2 Comments

Family, Friends and Prayer

Posted on October 7, 2012 by Mark Shields

For the last few weekends, I’ve been writing about the importance of physical and
spiritual health. Today, I’ll write about the importance of family, friends, and prayer to this core value. Friday and Saturday, I was able to spend some time with family and friends. Friday night, we traveled 50 miles east of Waco Texas to my hometown Teague Texas to watch the homecoming football game. My mom and dad grew up there, fell in love, got married, and after work took them to other place as they journeyed through life, moved back home when I was in high school.

Teague takes homecoming serious as many stay the weekend catching up on what’s going on with their childhood friends. Careers have led many to live now in places like Houston or Dallas but most still have parents and relatives back home. They make floats for a parade and share memories of years gone by.

Each year that goes by and as we journey through life, we become more aware of the fact that the time on earth is but a short time span compared to eternity. Many loved ones and friends are no longer with us.

As we get older, we become more aware of the importance of visiting those in rest homes or in the hospital. What a tremendous boost people get when they get a visit. I remember seeing underneath a mantel the pictures of grandkids and the word HOPE in big letters. Nothing compares to the “beautiful you” in the form of a personal visit to a family member or a friend in a time of need.

Reverend Carolyn Crane says that it is important to receive the positive influence by others when sick. Positive speech and thoughts can hold the key to another person’s healing. Prayer provides this positive influence.

In prayer, God is with us as a friend. He heals a broken heart by changing the way we think. Instead of feeling unacceptable, we are accepted. Instead of feeling incapable, we are capable. He will hold us after a difficult day; giving us needed rest and peace. Picture a tiny baby in the arms of a father; relaxed, happy, and secure. This is the picture we should see in our minds as we think about God holding us in His arms.

If we meet with God every day and comprehend that His love is bigger than we could ever understand, there will be a positive benefit to health. We all make some bad decisions at times but through Christ, God reaches out and offers peace and eternal life. Nothing else can take the place of our relationship with our Heavenly Father. I read a blog post titled “Greater Than You Can Grasp” the other day that emphasizes the importance of this relationship.

Next weekend, I’ll share more ideas on this very important core value of physical and spiritual health. Until next time, have a wonderful day with God.