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

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.

Ox Ridge student speaks at Neil Armstrong service (darientimes.com)
Why Neil Armstrong Inspires Me (uloop.com)

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Apollo 11, Chris Tomlin, Creator, God, Isaiah, Jesus, Lord, Moon, NASA, Neil Armstrong, Promise, Redemption | 2 Comments

Enthusiasm Permeates Your Soul

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Mark Shields

Yesterday’s reading of Psalm 98 is about the anticipation of the coming of the Lord. As pointed out yesterday, Jesus came the first time as the redeemer of world from sins. The second coming begins His glorious reign. This Good News should give us so much enthusiasm that it permeates our soul; capturing the interest of others as we glow and radiate. We should have an attitude of praise in whatever we do; washing dishes, repairing a machine, selling a product, counseling a client, growing a crop, or raising a family.

The crown received because of Jesus should give enthusiasm for each activity we are involved in and here’s a video that is full of enthusiasm: I Shall Wear A Crown – Gaither Vocal Band.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. – 1 Corinthians 9:24

Play Your Part with Enthusiasm (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
He’s Been Faithful! (devotions4him.com)
Step 9 Patience Is A Virtue (shareaverse.wordpress.com)
How enthusiastic are you in life? (stervelim.com)
Permeate (kevmill.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Crown, enthusiasm, First Epistle to the Corinthians, Gaither Vocal Band, God, Good News, Lord, Praise, Prize, Psalm, Redeemer, Second Coming of Christ, Soul | 4 Comments

Play Your Part with Enthusiasm

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Mark Shields

The reading today is Psalm 98 and it is a psalm of praise for the anticipation of the coming Lord. All of creation is invited to join the festivities; the people of the world, the sea, the rivers, and mountains. We know today that Jesus came the first time as the redeemer of world from sins. The second coming begins His glorious reign.

Today’s reading has made me think of times when my child attended Vacation Bible School. The children studied, prayed, learned, and grew together. Then they got together at the end of the week to sing and praise God. The children participated and parents had a chance to watch, clap, and enjoy. That’s what God is doing each day. He’s there to encourage; saying good job and He’s clapping for you. We all have a role to play in this world and we can be thankful for the role God wants us to play.

This Day with God, I’m remembering that He is sovereign, majestic, and all-powerful. Nothing is too difficult for Him; He is bigger than any problem I could bring to Him. I’m enthusiastic about today; ready to play my role and happy God is there clapping and encouraging me along the way.

Worshiping worship (christianongtangco.com)
Sunday Morning Dance Party (trishadm.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Clapping, Creation, enthusiasm, Festivities, God, Jesus, Lord, Praise, Psalm 98, Redeemer, Religion and Spirituality, Second Coming of Christ, Vacation Bible School | 1 Comment

Affects of Good Physical and Mental Health on Society

Posted on September 8, 2012 by Mark Shields

Good physical and mental health helps a society tremendously. Without it, the quality of life can be in terrible shape. Some third world countries have poor health because of unclean food and throughout life children have difficulties.

A vacation my family once took was to Moody Gardens in Galveston Texas. What started out as a place to help those with paralysis, Moody Gardens has become a place to learn and relax. The major attractions there consist of pyramids that house animal and plant life. Also there are great 3D theaters that show educational short movies. I remember one movie that explained how the health of humans and nature relies on the health of our oceans.

Everything consists of cycles in our world. An example is the water cycle where rain water fills lakes and rivers which flow into our oceans. Then evaporation causes the collection of moisture in the atmosphere to produce more rain. Stress also causes a cycle but it’s a bad cycle which cost our healthcare industry an astronomical amount of money. What’s been discovered is that stress leads to heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidental injuries, and suicide. It pushes many to drinking alcohol which can lead to cirrhosis of the liver for individuals but it can also harm others like in auto accidents.

Refuel and Recharge

Speaking of autos, they can get you many places and go far distances but they have to contain fuel to go. It’s the same with us as everyone needs to refuel. God Himself rested on the seventh day.

So since we’ve established the fact that we all have to refuel, where do we get it? There’s no better fuel than God’s Word. A cheerful heart restores the mind and body; therefore we can be in good spirits by reading the good news of God’s Word, accepting His kindness, and building faith by knowing Christ. The refueling station is His church. Sundays should be a day to take it easy. It should be a day to worship God and be appreciative. It should be a day to slow down and enjoy the comforts of your home.

Our fuel for the soul which Jesus provides is inner peace and abundant life that is full of meaning; infused with purpose, contentment, and joy. With the explosion of computer technology, we sometimes forget that it is only a tool. The greatest machine ever made is you; God has made you to be the most efficient and productive machine ever known. Then He’s provided the fuel to make you go called the Holy Spirit.

Next time, we will look at how good physical and mental health provides abundant life with a bright outlook.

Depression, Suicides Rise as Euro Debt Crisis Intensifies (sott.net)
Synaptic Sunday #10 – Mental Health and Life Expectancy (brightacrossthelifespan.com)
1 in 4 Church Homes Are Dealing With This! (brokenbelievers.com)
The Mental Health Benefits Of Spiritualism, Regardless Of Religion (medicalnewstoday.com)

Posted in Physical and Mental Health | Tagged Church, Food, Galveston Texas, God, God’s Word, Health, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Mental health, Moody Gardens, Movies, Soul, Spirit, Sunday, Vacation | 3 Comments

Faith Makes the Impossible Possible

Posted on September 8, 2012 by Mark Shields

Amazing things happen because of faith. Mountains are moved and dreams come true because the ONE who made the stars more numerous than the grains of sand on the beaches of earth is making the impossible possible. This day with God, there is a video that will hopefully give a lift to your day: What Faith Can Do – Kutless.