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

The Cross is God’s Plus Sign to Us – Ezekiel 33

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Mark Shields

Jesus is considered by scholars such as Weber ...

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When working toward the solution of a problem, it would always help to already know the answer. For Christians, there is an answer; found in Christ. Friends share secrets and Jesus is our friend so we should get in the habit of thinking about what He would do and talking to Him in prayer as we go throughout the day. As demonstrated in Ezekiel 33, boldness can be gained because of faith in God’s guidance. We can gain this faith by listening for the right way to live from God’s Word, from sermons, from a mentor, or friend.

A good place to listen for the right way to live is by gathering with other Christians and sharing ideas. One point I remember from a message given by my Pastor, Steve Ramsdell is that the cross is a plus sign from God. Our mission is clear and that is to tell others about this plus sign.

An important part of knowing the right way to live is to go to the Lord in prayer and asking for guidance; listening and following. Remember two thoughts. The first is that prayer is our greatest power; the second is that no matter what happens in life, God loves you and that is all that matters. Try this today. Click on this piano piece: In The Garden: Norm Hastings, Piano and while listening, reflect on today’s reading. What lesson is God teaching? Think about what you may pray for today. Is there a plan of action God is giving you today?

First comes reading God’s Word, then thought about lessons learned; then plans are developed and action is taken with outstanding execution using the experience gained from lessons learned. The beginning, as you will observe, is reading God’s Word.

As we pray this day with God, let us put an emphasis on listening for guidance and thinking about ways to put this guidance into practice.

God’s Plan…or…My Plan? ( Discerning God’s Will ) (acer004ever.wordpress.com)
Ezekiel 33 – 35 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Christ, Christian, Ezekiel, God, Jesus, Norm Hastings, Prayer, religion & spirituality | 1 Comment

Ezekiel 33 – 35 Questions for Reflection

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Mark Shields

I’ve been studying in the book of Psalms over the last few weeks. Now I will journey for a while in the book of Ezekiel. If you would like to journey with me, the reading plan below can be used as a tool for daily Bible study at any place or any time.

Many already have a Bible study plan and my hope is that you continue to use it so we can learn from each other. I simply invite you to check in over the next few posts where I will share some thoughts about what I’ve read and how we can apply it to our daily walk at home, work, school, or in our neighborhood.

Ezekiel 33
Passage Lookup

What duties does the Lord give Ezekiel toward the Israelites (See verse 3:16-21)? Who is your watchman? In what ways are you a watchman? Why?

Ezekiel 34
Passage Lookup

List the failures of the shepherds (leaders of Israel). What are God’s desires for his sheep? What should be the concern of pastors today in their responsibility to the flock of God? What physical, social, political, economic and spiritual benefits will result from the new covenant?

Ezekiel 35
Passage Lookup

Who does God identify with between Israel and Edom? Why? What does this teach about God and his concern for his own?

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“This Day with God” devotional is a tool to guide thoughts and prayers. It’s purpose is to open up the Scriptures with ideas that may help apply them. It’s a tool to enhance communication about faith and have an effect on learning from each other. It’s about providing the type of freedoms people need in the busy world in which we live.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978

Posted in Ezekiel | Tagged Bible Study, Edom, Ezekiel, God, InterVarsity Press, Israel, Psalms, United Methodist Church | 3 Comments

Sermon Message – The Church Truly Prayed

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Mark Shields

I can’t believe it is already mid January. We’ve had a strange weather year in Central Texas; from record breaking heat last summer to a strange winter pattern which has the temperatures going up and down like a yo-yo. Most of the leaves have fallen but amazingly there are some that have not. I spent a few hours last weekend raking leaves in the same part of the yard I did the week before. When strong north winds blow, it seems that all the leaves in my neighborhood have a tendency to be blown and collect in one place; my yard.

Late last summer, First United Methodist Church of Waco was praying for rain. The area was so dry and a slight increase in the winds caused fires to burn rampant all over Texas. Waco is surrounded by farm and ranch land and many prayers were being lifted up for those that depend on rain for their livelihood.

The message last weekend at First United Methodist Waco called “The Church Truly Prayed” was about Acts 4; the early church and the big prayers they prayed.

Some of the main points brought out in the sermon message were the following:

The Church is built on something that happened
The Church is continually pulled toward the Inside
What we believe should make us brave
The size of our prayer should grow our faith
Our prayers will show us how big God really is

In Acts 4, the young church had just started because of something that had happened. Jesus had been crucified and now the indwelling Spirit moved the people. They had just witnessed Peter and John healing a crippled man. Peter and John were unschooled ordinary men; not insiders but considered outsiders. They had been arrested for speaking to the people about Jesus but they had the courage to stand before the rulers and elders; boldly explaining how they had the power to heal the crippled man. After they were released, they went back to their own people and prayed. Their prayers were big prayers and their faith grew.

We should do the same today. Our prayers should grow our faith and our prayers should be big prayers to show how big God really is.

Here are some links you might find interesting:
Lesson two on the sermon series “The Church”
http://www.fumcwaco.org/lesson2.html

Sermon Podcast
http://www.fumcwaco.org/pod.html

I hope you will be blessed by this inspiring video
As It Is In Heaven – Matt Maher

This upcoming week, write down notes from a sermon or sermon podcast and share a thought. Let us continue to work, learn, and pray big prayers together,

Mark

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Central Texas, Christ, God, Jesus, Matt Maher, Prayer, Texas, United Methodist Church | Leave a comment

God’s Promise to Us – Psalm 89

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Mark Shields

Česky: Duha English: This photo shows the plac...

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No matter what happens in life, God loves us and that’s all that matters. In verses 3-4 of Psalm 89, the promises made to David are to establish his line forever and make his throne firm through all generations. God is faithful and unchangeable; doing what He says through His Word. In the line of David is our Redeemer; God’s Son who reigns forever.

Sometimes, I’ve had a bad day and God gives a sign to remind me how awesome each day can be. It may be a sunset, the first cool front as summer begins to change to fall, or a rainbow which as mentioned in verse 37 is the witness for God’s promise to us.

Billy Graham once said, “God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, “I love you.”

Click on this piano piece: Jesus Loves Me – Norm Hastings. While listening, reflect on today’s reading. Think of signs God has given you in the past as a symbol of His love. Think about what you may pray for today. Is there a plan of action God is giving you today?

A great price was paid on the cross because every person is valuable to God. If having a bad day, remember how much God values you. Because of His love, this day with Him will be amazing.

Psalm 87 – 89 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Psalm 89 (dwinger.wordpress.com)
On Time (loopyloo305.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Billy Graham, Christ, Christianity, David, God, Psalm, religion & spirituality | 2 Comments

God’s Principles Never Change – Psalm 89:1-18

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Mark Shields

The writer of Psalm 89:1-18 praises God’s qualities like faithfulness, goodness, justice, and infinite power. We should do the same and here’s a video that also honors these qualities about our Lord: I Am – Mark Schultz

Some years back, I started making notes of some character qualities I wanted to improve. I began to realize that unlike many manmade rules, God’s principles never change. Through a daily devotional time with God and learning His principles, we then have a way to include Him in every activity throughout our day; while shopping, driving, working, or performing any other everyday tasks.