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

Going Forward with Discipline

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Mark Shields

The subject of being all that God made us to be was brought out in yesterday’s post. I’ve been watching the Olympics and these athletes are blessed with skill but they also go through rigorous workouts to get to their level. As we start to accomplish anything in life, it may not be easy at first but things seem to get easier with practice. For a Christian it can be the same; tough at first but easier with practice. To get that to happen, we’ve got to want to change, receive the power to change, become like Christ, and never go back to the way it used to be. I’d like to share this video with you to inspire discipline: I Won’t Go Back – William McDowell

Here’s a good scripture on discipline: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. – Acts 2:42

120802 – George Hach’s Inner Disciplines Journal – Thursday (georgehachmyblog.wordpress.com)
FREE Audiobook Download: The Disciplines of the Christian Life by Eric Liddell (faithfulprovisions.com)
The Discipline of Celebration (wordsofsharon.wordpress.com)

Posted in Nehemiah | Tagged Acts of the Apostles, Christ, Christian, Christianity, Eucharist, God, Olympic, Olympic Games | Leave a comment

Being All That God Made You To Be

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Mark Shields

Nehemiah had gone to Babylon for a while and returned to find abuses taking place by those in charge of God’s house. As explained in Nehemiah 13:1-14, the chief priest named Eliashib had taken the occasion to vacate an area that stored the tithes, offerings, and equipment so that Tobiah could have a room in the courts of the house of God.

Nehemiah was very displeased and immediately threw out all of Tobiah’s household goods and had the tithes, offerings, and equipment of the house of God returned. All the Levites and singers responsible for the service had gone back to their own fields so the house of God was neglected. Nehemiah called everyone together to lay out his plans for reform. He had the tithes of grain, new wine and oil returned to the storerooms. Then new leadership was put in place for the care of the house of God.

In the New Testament, Jesus calls us the temple of God. Like God’s house that was neglected in this reading, we must reform and make changes when we neglect our temple. The Holy Spirit resides in us so let us clear out what shouldn’t be there; finding ways to change and being accountable to being all that God meant us to be.

This day with God, I’m praying to submit to His will and putting His will first in my relationships, my family, career, and ministry.

God’s Spirit Lives In You (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection – Nehemiah 10-13 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Deuteronomy 14 & 15 – Reading Note – Care for the Poor (ferlans.wordpress.com)
Nehemiah? (seekingthepath.wordpress.com)

Posted in Nehemiah | Tagged Babylon, Eliashib, God, Holy Spirit, Levite, Nehemiah, New Testament, Tobiah | 3 Comments

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.