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

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.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us – Psalm 103:12

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 103-105 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Casting Crowns, Christ, Christianity, eternal god, God, God’s Word, Grace, Hope, Inspiration, Journey, Joy, little inspiration, Mercy, Psalm, Psalm 103, spirituality, transgressions | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 103-106

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Mark Shields

God’s Word is a valued treasure in our life and reading in the Psalms has helped me understand even more about its tremendous value. In my reading of Psalm 100-102, I’ve reflected and come to the conclusion that the best way to go is to be thankful, have a positive attitude, give your best effort, and to be disciplined. A thankful group of people ultimately leads to a winning company, organization, or team. The everyday challenges we face can be difficult. Like the sails to a boat, integrity can harness the power yet at the same time push us where we need to go. We can be having a bad day and think there is no hope but one thought about our hope in Jesus switches our outlook in a split second from one of despair to one that leads to new discoveries, new joy, and new hope.

Over the next few posts, I will be sharing my study and reflecting upon Psalm 103-105. The reading plan and questions below will be used as a guide.

Psalm 103
Passage Lookup
For what personal reasons does David bless God? How has God dealt with our sin? Why? How will you join the call for universal praise?

Psalm 104
Passage Lookup
How does God provide through nature for the daily needs of animals and people? Attempt to grasp the greatness of God manifest in nature and in life. How do you respond?

Psalm 105
Passage Lookup
What is the situation for the psalmist’s call for thanksgiving and rejoicing? What is God’s covenant and promise to his chosen people? How does God provide when people ask?

Psalm 106
Passage Lookup
What have been the consequences of Israel’s disobedience? For what reason does God save Israel? What Christ like character quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation I face?

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

You all keep me accountable to Bible Study. This Blog is a blessing to me and I want to thank all of you that read, like, and respond to my posts with very interesting thoughts. The mission for this blog is to take what God gives us in His Word and point out its lessons.

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 interests into one place. The page is called “This Day with God – Neighbors United – Step Ahead”. You might have similar interest and can connect at this Link.

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 100-102 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
I LIFT UP MY EYES – Psalm 6:6,7 (ptl2010.com)
Psalm 5 (asorensen.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Bible Study, Christ, Discipline, Discoveries, Economy, God, God’s Word, Hope, Integrity, Jesus, Lessons, Neighbors, Positive Attitude, Psalm, Reflection, Thankful, Treasure, United Methodist Church | 7 Comments

A View From The Stands

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Mark Shields

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

In golf, we might miss hitting the ball perfect and end up in water hazards, the rough, or in the sand trap but if we keep swinging, we eventually hit it just right. In life like in golf, there are many hazards but at times we hit it perfect and the worship of God is one of those times.

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. THE VIEW CAN BE UNCLEAR.

“ But I had almost stopped believing; I had almost lost my faith because I was jealous of proud people. I saw wicked people doing well. They are not suffering; they are healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like the rest of us; they have problems like other people.” – Psalm 73:2-5 (NCV)

Sometimes we just don’t see God’s plan. Why is it that some people who do not live a Godly life seem to have it easy with no financial problems, always going on vacations, and it looks like they have life figured out?

“I tried to understand all this, but it was too hard for me to see….” – Psalm 73:16 (NCV)

When things seem unfair, where is God to make it fair?

2. WORSHIP CLEARS UP OUR CONFUSION.

“… until I went to the Temple of God. Then I understood what will happen to them. You have put them in danger;…” – Psalm 73:17-18a (NCV)

“But I am always with you; You have held my hand. You guide me with Your advice, and later You will receive me in honor. I have no one in heaven but You; I want nothing on earth besides You.” – Psalm 73:23-24 (NCV)

Like keeping your eye on the ball, if we keep our eye on God, we find perspective.

3. WE GET TO CHOOSE THE VIEW AND OUR RESPONSE.

“I keep the Lord before me always. Because He is close by my side, I will not be hurt.” – Psalm 16:8 (NCV)

There are many things to be thankful for and we can celebrate with passion. At sporting events, there is a lot of enthusiasm. It’s Okay to have enthusiasm and yell for God’s team too.

“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. THERE IS NEVER A WORSHIP VOID, ONLY WORSHIP CONFUSION.

“ ‘People of Athens, I see that you are very religious. As I was going through your city and looking at the things you worship, I found an altar with the words, ‘To an Unknown God.’ You worship this God but you don’t really know him’….” – Acts 17:22b-23a (CEV)

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” – Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Swing as hard as you can swing in life. Don’t get down if you hit the hazards because when we connect with God in worship, we hit it perfect every time. I hope this video of God’s beautiful Creation and awesome scenery will provide a time of worship for your day: Creation Calls – Brian Doerksen.

Father, Help Us to Worship (sjbrown58.wordpress.com)
Worship Is About God’s Offering, Not Ours (arendsarticulations.wordpress.com)

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Brian Doerksen, Celebrate, David, enthusiasm, God, Israelites, Lord, Passion, Perspective, Podcast, Psalm, Thankful, Worship | Leave a comment

Perspective Helps To Keep Going

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Mark Shields

We can be having a bad day and think there is no hope but one thought about our hope in Jesus switches our outlook in a split second from one of despair to one that leads to new discoveries, new joy, and new hope. Sometimes a song will turn a day around and I hope this one either turns your day around or adds momentum to an already awesome day: On and On – Chasen.