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

Hope In Jesus

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Mark Shields

Isaac Newton apple tree, Babson College, 231 Forest Street, Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The psalmist describes his dire situation in Psalm 102. He’s alone, he is skin and bones, and his days are vanishing like smoke. Emotionally, he’s taunted by his enemies; believing God has afflicted him with his position in life with no hope as his life withers away.

In contrast, he characterizes God as being constant and forever; a compassionate God of mercy who will release the poor captives out of Babylon and from the chains of sin and eternal destruction.

Bad days turn into good days with God. Was Isaac Newton having a bad day when he was simply trying to catch up on lost sleep under the apple tree pictured above? The apple conked him upside the head. He could’ve just chalked it up as another bad day. Instead, the occasion sparked an idea about gravity and what we know today as the Universal Law of Gravitation.

This scientific law from Newton set in motion our ability to communicate to others around the world. Satellites are put in orbit because they are projected so high and then when they start to fall they never reach the ground again because the earth is shaped as a sphere which is curving away from the falling object. Thus, the satellite stays in orbit high above the earth.

What we know today about God’s universal law of life is that Jesus has set in motion our ability to have new life. 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 joys, and new hopes.

Because Jesus lives, we live also. God releases us from our bondage; giving us an Advocate so we receive grace and are not under the law. He shows favor to His people and will continue to build up the universal church.

This day with God will be amazing because even in times where we might think there is no hope, we can still dream and believe because God’s grace keeps flowing like a never ending stream.

Did YOU Hear the CALL? (jasonofgod.com)
Wilderness Wanderer (istellorton.wordpress.com)
Empowering Others (wdednh.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Babylon, Christ, Christianity, Discovery, Dream, God, Grace, Hope, Isaac Newton, Joy, New Life, Orbit, Psalm, Universal Law of Gravitation | 8 Comments

Peace of Mind and Joy

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Mark Shields

Billy Graham was quoted to say the following, “The word romance, according to the dictionary, means, excitement, adventure, and something extremely real. Romance should
last a lifetime”. When I was single, the guys in a small group at my church made lasagna from scratch for the single girls of that group and planned a dinner for them on Valentine’s
Day. I don’t know if it’s a coincidence or what but about four or five marriages were produced from that group.

There is something to be said about having a partner for life. Researchers have found that people who are lonely have more health issues. Loneliness is more of a factor in health concerns than being overweight, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. There are not many happy hermits. God created us to be social beings that depend on one another. Psychiatrists have done studies to proof that having meaningful relationships will add to better health.

In Luke 14:16-24 is the parable of the great banquet. Invitations were sent out for a feast but everyone made excuses for not showing up. The lesson is to not miss out on the gift of God who helps us physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.

What provisions has God made for us? Every person is in equal standing with God who wants to provide us with joy and peace of mind. He is a God of justice who makes wrongs right. This is provided for in that everyone who believes in what the gospel clearly explains and accepts God’s Son as their savior has a protective antidote to a life of eternal misery. Our needs are provided for and He provides joy and peace of mind.

Two ways to increase both physical and mental health are to be kind to others and to be the person that God desires you to be by following His instructions. These are prescriptions to keeping a sound mind filled with wisdom and a sound body that makes available a wholesome dwelling for your soul.

Next week, we will continue with this core value of physical and mental health God gives that I think is important to being all we are intended to be. We will get more into how to build up this key core value in the post next weekend.

Top UK Mental Health Issues in 2012 (candidaabrahamson.wordpress.com)
She’s safe…for now! (whatedsaid.wordpress.com)
Mental Health – What is your top concern? (thedepressedmoose.com)

Posted in Physical and Mental Health | Tagged Billy Graham, Dinner, God, Happiness, Health, Joy, Kindness, Marriage, Mental health, Peace, Relationships, Romance, Soul, Valentine's Day | 2 Comments

Harness Power With Integrity

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Mark Shields

Yesterday, we learned from David about the core value integrity. You ever tried to hold an umbrella in a thunderstorm as the wind blows in various directions? It’s difficult and the everyday challenges we face can be difficult but like the sails to a boat, integrity can harness the power; pushing us to where we need to go.

Sometimes the desire to win pushes some to cheat to get ahead but they are mistaken. What it all comes down to is working hard and doing things the right way. The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work. The great football coach named Vince Lombardi once said “Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you’re willing to pay the price”.

I remember in high school going through summer football practice. Towards the end of our training and before our first game, our coach took us to the movie “Rocky”. Here’s a training montage of one of the Rocky movies that inspires the core value of integrity:Rocky IV Hearts on Fire Training Montage. Notice that Rocky’s competitor is cheating with shots of performance enhancement drug while training but Rocky harnesses power with integrity.

In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. – Psalm 41:12

Harness the Power (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
John Travolta Reportedly Considering Role of Packers’ Legend Vince Lombardi (bleacherreport.com)
Quote: Vince Lombardi Leaders Are Made, Not Born (greatist.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged David, Football, Green Bay Packers, Integrity, Rocky, Rocky IV, Sports, Success, Vince Lombardi | 2 Comments

Harness the Power

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Mark Shields

In Psalm 101, David promises to manage all his affairs both within his own family and as a public leader with integrity; making sure to discourage bad behavior but encouraging what is good for each individual and as a society.

In present times, we have a helper because of Christ. In Christian love, we can build our neighbor up. Each individual can search their heart for improvement so the future is one of excitement and optimism.

Doing things our way many times ends in disaster but doing things God’s way leads to success. As a Christian, we have access to God who gives the specific steps to follow, the power to begin, and the persistence to finish.

I was getting my hair cut one time and my barber was excited about his weekend hunting trip. Not many people get to hunt where he was going to hunting. It was on a ranch owned by a billionaire and only those with large sums of money could pay to hunt there. Well my barber is a friend of the billionaire’s son who has given him access to hunt there free. In a similar way, we can get excited about our future because we know God’s Son and we have access to His resources since the price has been paid.

Let us pray for our walk with God. This day with Him will be amazing because with Him there is a freedom that helps us live happier, give to others enthusiastically, and care for one another. Let us pray that we are good examples and lay out a clear path so others can follow.

Questions for Reflection – Psalm 100-102 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
The Extraordinary Hand of God! (psalmsofpraisewomensministries.wordpress.com)
A Leader’s Prayer-Psalm 101 (garyrunn.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Agape, Christ, Christianity, David, Excitement, Freedom, God, Happiness, Improvement, Integrity, Jesus, Leadership, Optimism, Persistence, Psalm, Psalm 101, Success | 5 Comments

Celebrate Progress

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Mark Shields

As reflected upon yesterday’s reading of Psalm 100, when a person is thankful, they have a positive attitude, they give more effort, they want to be disciplined, and they care about doing their best. A thankful group of people ultimately leads to a winning company, organization, or team. When they win, they should celebrate progress along the way by praising him like in this video: Shout to the Lord – Michael W. Smith. Enjoy! 🙂