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

Completing Projects Together

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Mark Shields

In order to succeed in any project that brings positive change, the desire to finish has to be greater than the fear brought on by those trying to stop it. As we journey into Nehemiah 6, those against the project of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem were determined to hinder its completion so they thought of schemes to intimidate Nehemiah. Fear has an effect on our ability to complete the responsibilities God gives us. Those against us will try to discredit but we must continue the good work. When we are tempted to fall into the traps set by enemies, we should lift our heart to Heaven in a short prayer. God will give discernment, keep us on track, and help us stand together until completion. I found a video with this idea in mind called We Will Stand by Russ Taff.

Reflect on today’s passage. What character traits can we develop to defeat the temptations set before us? Pray for protection from those against the church and the traps they set.

Questions for Reflection – Nehemiah 4-6 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Nehemiah | Tagged Character, Christianity, City Wall of Jerusalem, Desire, Enemies, Fear, God, Jerusalem, Nehemiah, Prayer, Reflection, Religion and Spirituality, Russ Taff, Success, Teamwork, Temptations, Wall of Jerusalem | 1 Comment

Happy Fourth of July

Posted on July 4, 2012 by Mark Shields

As I was thinking what to post this July 4th, my thoughts were on iconic symbols around the world and the upcoming Olympics in London. As I researched, I noticed that the iconic symbol of London, Tower Bridge was built at about the same time as the Statue of Liberty.

Check out more of my thoughts This July 4th at http://mdshields.wordpress.com/

Honoring the USA on Independence Day (americanthinker.com)
Ringing in the Olympics (photoblog.msnbc.msn.com)

Posted in Special Occasions | Tagged americanthinker, July 4th, liberty check, London, london tower bridge, msnbc, Olympic Games, Statue of Liberty, Tower Bridge, travel | Leave a comment

Leading Out of Love

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Mark Shields

Many know the right thing to do but it’s hard to follow through. Great leaders get across to good people that doing what’s right is worth the time and effort. I wrote in the post yesterday about how Nehemiah was able to stay on course so the right thing was done. We need leaders like Nehemiah so I pray for leadership across the world today; for families, for decisions being made at work places, and for communities.

My hope is that this video: Lead Me To The Cross – Hillsong will give you a lift today.

For a Christian, being a great leader begins by being led to the cross were God’s love poured out and getting across to good people the need to have God’s heart. Another part of leadership is being humbled by the fact that it’s not about me but about a brighter future for all and it’s worth the time and effort to lead others out of love and do what’s right.

Questions for Reflection – Nehemiah 4-6 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Confession (darylw1984.wordpress.com)

Posted in Nehemiah | Tagged Career, Christianity, Communication, Communities, Cross, Cross - Hillsong, Effort, Family, God, Hillsong Music Australia, Humility, Jerusalem, Leadership, Love, Nehemiah, religion & spirituality, Time | Leave a comment

Doing the Right Thing

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Mark Shields

As explained in Nehemiah 5, there was an outcry of the people about their living conditions. They blamed the leaders for burdening them with excessive tax to the king. Nehemiah was a leader for the people and angry at the rulers. As governor of Judah, Nehemiah pushed for reform; blasting the nobles and officials for the burdens placed on their people.

Nehemiah had profited immensely as officer in the Persian court. Now it was a time in his life to give back to others. He demonstrated self discipline and integrity by not accepting the allotment of food set aside for him as governor or taking advantage of his position. Instead, he had concern for the people and didn’t want to burden them with paying for his unnecessary extravagance.

So the lesson for me in this passage is to do what’s right out of love – not fear. To give thanks in all circumstances; submitting my will to God’s. The question of the day is – what is the foundation of my character built on? Is it built on the solid foundation of God’s Word?

Questions for Reflection – Nehemiah 4-6 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Nehemiah | Tagged Character, Discipline, Generosity, God, God’s Word, Integrity, Jerusalem, Judah, Leadership, Nehemiah, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality, Wall of Jerusalem | 1 Comment

Faith Gives Courage to Face Fear

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Mark Shields

There were some who opposed the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem as recorded in Nehemiah 4. When the project produced results, the opposition became angry and wanted to end the work; even setting their sights on violence to stop progress.

It takes courage to stand up against enemies and continue the work; not being intimidated but turning to God who is far greater than our enemies. Our God who is great and awesome can frustrate the plots of our enemies. He can give us a plan that helps carry out and finish the good work He has for us.

Nehemiah demonstrates courage and many characters throughout the Bible show this virtue. Live like Daniel and face fear. When fear is faced, there is courage like Moses demonstrated. To get courage, use David as your inspiration and when as much courage as Jesus demonstrated is gained, there is no fear!

I’d like to share another video with you today to uplift and pass on this virtue we call courage. I hope you enjoy this video: Voice of Truth – Casting Crowns. God Bless 🙂