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

God’s Love Keeps Going On and On – Matthew 27:57-66

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Mark Shields

I journey now into Matthew 27:57-66. Reading in the passage, Jesus didn’t have a burial place so it was thought that He would be buried in a place where the very poor were buried but Joseph who was a member of the Council; a good, upright, and wealthy man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. He had recently cut out a rock for a tomb so Joseph took the body of Jesus to the tomb and rolled a big stone in front of the entrance.

The chief priests and Pharisees were concerned that the Disciples would steal the body of Jesus and claim that He had risen so they went to Pilate with their concern. Pilate then ordered that the tomb be made as secure as possible by placing a guard in front of the tomb.

After the crucifixion of Jesus, some thought there was no hope but God was just setting up the greatest miracle ever. He set in motion and had recorded in His Word proof of the Resurrection. Jesus would rise and God’s love would create a path for all. His love is like a stream that keeps flowing and when confronted with hearts that are sometimes as hard as a rock, the stream wins–not through strength but by His never ending love. My hope is that this video will inspire this thought of God’s never ending love for us. Just click on this link: On and On – Chasen or on the video below.

Sometimes we might think there is no hope but each day we wake up, we can still dream and believe because God’s love keeps flowing like a never ending stream. Today, I’m praying that I become aware of areas in my life where I’m holding back from God because of my lack of faith. I’m praying that my thoughts are not that the risen Christ message seems unbelievable but believable.

The Risen Christ Triumphs Over Evil (frted.wordpress.com)
The Cross And The Empty Tomb (chanmunwai.wordpress.com)
Matthew 27: Wondering What Happened on Saturday (christiansread.wordpress.com)
9th inning, two out, down three runs (justifiedjournal.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Body of Jesus, Faith, God, Hope, Jesus, Love, Pharisees, Pilate, Resurrection | 2 Comments

Thoughts of the Cross – Matthew 27:27-56

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Mark Shields

Jesus went through tremendous emotional and physical stress leading up to this point. He has gone through several days without sleep and had gone through a through an exhausting trial. Once He was handed over to be crucified as explained in Matthew 27:27-56, a crown of thorns was placed on His head which penetrated the skin causing blood to flow down from his head to the rest of his body. The soldiers spit on Jesus and took a club to his head. He was forced to carry a heavy wooden cross for a long distance to the execution site. His hands and feet were nailed to the wooden cross. The weight of His body hung on the nails till He suffered and died in agony.

In thinking about the crucifixion, it inspires us to be more disciplined in our spiritual growth. Everyone needs a space to meet with God on a regular basis. That’s why I started “This Day with God” devotional; to use as a tool for spiritual growth. It’s a mobile spiritual tool so that God’s Word can be read and thoughts can be shared. Today, God may be telling you something in His Word that you haven’t started doing yet. Pray for ideas that may help initiate action and receive inspiration by what happened at the Cross.

Spiritual growth is a daily process that requires continuous effort but the endeavor is slight compared to the regret one might feel if they never started in the first place. The way that Jesus was willing to die for us should change our attitude. I hope the video below will inspire in your efforts today. Simply click on this link: Lead Me to the Cross – Hillsong or on the video below.

This day with God can be amazing because we can read blogs, learn and grow in faith, praise God, and pray for direction directly from our computer, smart phone, or iPad.

Matthew 27 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
The Role that Prayer Plays in Spiritual Growth (lifereference.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christ, Cross, Crown of Thorns, Crucifixion, God, Jesus, Matthew, Self Discipline, Spiritual Growth, Stress | 2 Comments

As Easy As Obeying

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Mark Shields

This month, I’m back operating our church computer at the 10:50 service for the media group. We display slides for announcements, music, and the sermon message for each service. Below is an outline from the message for Sunday May 6^th. There is also a podcast at this Link.

BELIEVING LEADS TO OBEYING

“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in Him you may have life.” John 20:31 (NLT)

OBEYING LEADS TO A NEW FRAME OF_REFERENCE

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the flood waters rise and winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse, because it is built on a rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 (NLT)

A NEW FRAME OF REFERENCE CREATES TRUST IN OUR GUIDE

“When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to the crowd, He said, ‘I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all the land of Israel.’ ” Matthew 8:10 (NLT)

TRUSTING OUR GUIDE COMES WITH A PROMISE

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs:3:5 (NIV)

THE PROMISE COMES WITH A QUESTION? WHO WILL I TRUST?

“After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t recognize his voice.” John 10:4-5 (NLT)

AS EASY AS: FOLLOWING – BELIEVING – OBEYING

What I got from the message is that Christ made things simple. We don’t have to follow laws and rules but simply accept an invitation to follow Him. Being a Christian is as easy as following, believing, and obeying. By accepting His guidance and doing what He says, we have better relationships, families, and careers. There are many voices to listen to but trusting in the Word as your guide is the real voice of truth. Here’s a video to inspire or give a lift for your day.

The Foundations of Faith: God is True and Truth, Part 3 by Renald Showers (chaplaingary.wordpress.com)
Monday, May 7, 2012 @ Exodus 21-24 (phyllisbenigas.wordpress.com)

Posted in Sermon Outline | Tagged Believing, Christ, Following, God, Gospel of Matthew, Guide, John, Obeying | 2 Comments

Doing Right – Matthew 27:11-26

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Mark Shields

The journey now takes us to Matthew 27:11-26. The governor named Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “Yes, it is as you say”. (v. 11) Pilate was reluctant to authorize the crucifixion because he didn’t know of a crime that Jesus had committed and his wife had sent him a message to not judge against Jesus. He gave the crowd of people an opportunity to release one of the prisoners but the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to release Barabbas instead of Jesus. Pilate washed his hands in front of the crowd to signify to them that he would take no responsibility for the death of Jesus but the crowd answered that the death of Jesus would be their responsibility. Pilate then released Barabbas and handed Jesus over to be crucified.

Pilate had to do something that went against his better judgment simply to please those he led. Being a leader is difficult at times. There are questions that need to be asked and thought put into the effects of decisions. It’s best to understand that a public-opinion poll is no substitute for praying and asking God for help in the tough decisions that have to be made.

Reading today’s passage has helped me remember an idea Rick Warren suggested in his book “The Purpose Driven Life”. The idea is to keep a notebook or journal of lessons learned as you go through life. Write down the insights and life lessons God teaches you about Him, about you, about life, relationships, and everything else. Record these so you can review and remember them and pass them on to the next generation.

As I go through each passage and before I write each post on this blog, I’ll spend some time researching, reflecting, and trying to find ways each passage can be applied to my daily life. I’ll usually listen to an uplifting song or video while I write. Here’s one I used for today. Just click the video below or at this link: Forgiven – Sanctus Real. As you review and reflect on today’s reading, ask yourself – what areas of my life do I need to trust God most?

Today, I’m praying for leaders around the world. It’s not easy being a leader so I’m praying for church leaders, leaders at my work place, and government leaders. I’m also praying for school administrators and teachers around the world. I’m also praying for my own decisions and actions because nothing is too big for God to handle or too small for Him to be interested in. This day with God, I’m praying that He will help plan the right things for my day, for your day and that things will fall into place for an amazing day.

Matthew 27 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Saturday, May 5, 2012 @ Mark 15-16 (phyllisbenigas.wordpress.com)
Being an “Acts Church” (garrettventry.wordpress.com)
“What Drives My Life” (kurtbardrick.wordpress.com)
“Got Leadership!” (breakawaybylintrollins.wordpress.com)
Let Christ Live Through Us (bummyla.wordpress.com)
W – wisdom (livingforvision.wordpress.com)
Prayer Challenge – Day 3 (simpliebeloved.wordpress.com)
Great Leaders Start Off As Great Followers (footsoldiers4christ.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Applied Faith, Barabbas, Chief Priest, Crucifixion, Decisions, Elders, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, Jesus King of the Jews, King of the Jews, Leadership, Life Lessons, Pilate, Planning, Pontius Pilate, Prayer, Reflection, Spiritual Journey, Trust God, Uplifting Video | 1 Comment

Treasure in the Arms of Christ – Matthew 27:1-10

Posted on May 5, 2012 by Mark Shields

Each day with God is a fresh start because we are forgiven. It can be a great day because Christ the difference maker can turn broken yesterdays into amazing tomorrows. We are all a treasure in the arms of Christ.

As we read in Matthew 27:1-10, the priests and elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death but they lacked authority to execute anyone so they took Jesus to the governor named Pilate. We also read about Judas who was so anguished for betraying innocent Jesus that he hanged himself.

Like Judas, we all regret some actions we’ve taken in our past but the good news for us is that there is a way to fix a broken past by sharing the lessons learned. They become examples of how receiving Christ can change a broken past and turn them into an amazing future.

It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior, we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! Christ is our bridge to help us cross over; providing a path to follow right now and take us home to victory. At this link: God’s Plan for Us, I go into more detail about this plan.