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

Declaration App

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Mark Shields

We continued the sermon series called “Life Apps” this past weekend at the church I attend. This week’s message is titled “Declaration App” and can be listened to or viewed at this link. There are many apps one can purchase. Some are helpful and some are fun but none can do what God’s Word does. In His Word is life changing information with the power available to provide salvation for everyone. Below is an outline of the message.

Zacchaeus in the Sycamore Awaiting the Passage of Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1. THE FAMOUS SINNER NAMED ZACCHAEUS.

Zacchaeus was a tax collector who was hated by the people but he was curious because something was missing in his life. He was resourceful and thought to climb a tree to get a good view of Jesus.

2. THE FAMOUS SAVIOUR.

“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” – Luke 19:5 (NLT)

Zacchaeus was excited about having Jesus over at his house for dinner.

3. ALL SIN IS NOT EQUAL BUT ALL SIN SEPERATES US EQUALLY FROM GOD.

Between this great chasm between God and humanity there was a need for a bridge so God sent his son to be that bridge.

4. THE DECLARATION.

“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” – Luke 19:8 (NIV)

Zacchaeus is declaring to Jesus that he has spent just one day with Him but is making a public announcement that he is changing. This public announcement is what God is looking for in our life. It’s not what you say, it’s how you live. Spending time with Jesus changes a guy or girl.

Jesus gives His own declaration in Luke 19:9-10.

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:9-10(NIV)

Three things Jesus says that are life changing information if we choose to accept and live it out:

• Salvation is here today for everyone
• If you need the power today, it’s available
• Zacchaeus said I don’t like who I am, help me God
• The purpose of the ministry of Jesus on earth was to seek and save. It’s our purpose too.

When I was leading a small group a while back, one study dealt with salvation and eternal life. We spent several months researching and writing a declaration of God’s plan for us. At the end of the declaration is a place for a signature where one can make a first time commitment or reaffirm their commitment to Jesus Christ. Here is a link to the declaration along with some links to other posts: God’s Plan for Us.

Pre-Qualified for His Presence (intimatelifelesson-reallove.com)
Mercy App (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Luke 19: Belong then Believe (kingdomnewtestament.wordpress.com)

Posted in Sermon Outline | Tagged Apps, Christ, God’s Word, Gospel of Luke, Jesus, Ministry, Power, Salvation, Zacchaeus | 3 Comments

The Worth of God’s Promise

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Mark Shields

After reading Nehemiah 12, one point taken from the study is that those that minister to us are focused on being a blessing so we should make sure they are always blessed in abundance. Another point taken is that we should celebrate God’s presence and favor. We should give a shout to the Lord today for nothing can compare to the worth of God’s promise. Here’s a video to jump start your day: Shout to the Lord – Chris Tomlin.

This day with God will be amazing if we sincerely believe that each obstacle will be overcome and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion; celebrating progress throughout each day with praise.

Today’s therapy session, praising Jesus through Music. Shout to the Lord. (pastormikesays.wordpress.com)
Shout To The Lord (onedecisionaway.wordpress.com)
Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord (shareaverse.wordpress.com)
It’s Time for Wednesday’s Praise and Worship Session! (20) June 20 (pbus1.wordpress.com)
Psalm 100 (shareaverse.wordpress.com)

Posted in Nehemiah | Tagged Blessing, Celebrate, Christianity, enthusiasm, God, Jerusalem, Lord, Ministers, Nehemiah, Praise, Promise, religion & spirituality, Shout to the Lord | 9 Comments

People of Faith

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Mark Shields

Jerusalem is called the Holy city because God had chosen it and it was blessed by His temple and His presence. They restored it for God by this dedication in Nehemiah 12 in which they praised God for His presence and favor. There was great joy as they prayed for the Holy city, praised God, and offered sacrifices. They played musical instruments in a parade through the city and to the house of God. The sound could be heard from far away.

Afterwards, they showed their regard for the faithful ministers with their tithes and offerings because a debt was owed to those who were guides to the Word of God. They had a service of celebration with songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Years ago, I had an idea of writing a thought that touched me from each sermon. I often
wondered why there is so much negative news reported to us yet the Good News from sermons are not as enthusiastically covered. There are pages in the newspaper about the big sporting events or what a political leader said in a debate. Analyst can go on for days discussing in detail the ramifications of what happened. The thing I thought was strange is that the same enthusiasm was not recorded and reported about faith; the most important aspect of our life that really matters. If my favorite sports team wins or loses, it doesn’t affect me. If my political candidate wins, it doesn’t matter unless we the people keep that person accountable. It really all depends on “we” the people and it is when the people are people of faith that we really have something.

Posted in Nehemiah | Tagged Celebration, Christianity, Faith, God, Good News, Holy City, Jerusalem, Nehemiah, Offerings, Parade, Praise, Prayer, religion & spirituality, Sermons, Temple, Thanksgiving, Tithes | 4 Comments

Reader Appreciation Award

Posted on July 29, 2012 by Mark Shields

Reader Appreciation Award

It’s truly rewarding when recognition is given by other bloggers for the effort put into writing. This past week, This Day With God was honored to be nominated for the Reader Appreciation Award by Sharanelle at Not Happenin’ On My Watch Blog. Sharanelle writes about issues related to life, relationships, Biblical views & interpretation. She is a licensed Evangelist Missionary with the Church of God in Christ. Her professional background is in Business, Marketing, and Real Estate. Thank you Sharanell for your great thoughts about faith, encouragement, and insight you provide in your writings. With warmest thoughts and prayers to you, I accept this award.

*Now for the rules to follow when nominated for the Reader Appreciation Award—(as I understand them):

1. Add a picture of the award to your blog post.
2. Thank the blogger who nominated you and include a link to their blog.
3. Nominate 5-10 other Bloggers and inform those selected that they have been nominated.

God created us for relational reason. He loves us and wants us to grow. As God’s children; brothers and sisters that are adopted as His children and led by the Holy Spirit so we share in his glory. There are many bloggers that are worthy of this award but I only have limited amount of time to point out a few to nominate so here it goes.

Nizy at http://nackynice.wordpress.com/
The Better Man Project http://thebettermanprojects.wordpress.com/
Faith Rises at http://faithrises.com/
Walter Bright at http://waltbrite.wordpress.com/
Planting Potatoes at http://plantingpotatoes.wordpress.com/

Also, I’d like to introduce you to the growing list of blogs I follow on the right side.

Posted in Award | Tagged Bible, Blog, God, Holy Spirit, Reader Appreciation Award | 7 Comments

God’s Spirit Lives In You

Posted on July 27, 2012 by Mark Shields

I remember a sermon once of my Pastor, Wayne Williams. He said that we need to grow roots and the best way is by reading some of the Bible each day. Then applying what we learn by using our God given abilities to help others.

An interesting thought from reading and writing about Nehemiah 11 in the previous post. The wall was built to protect the Holy city and many today say the movement called the church is an expansion of the Holy city into all the world. We are now considered God’s temple where He dwells. Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

We have a duty to take care of that temple. We have a duty to use our skills to play the part God wants us to play. Like the video below, ask God in prayer to lead you on: Lead Me On – Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant.