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

Psalm 82

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Mark Shields

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My thoughts today are on places where there is injustice. Call to God in an unified prayer for justice throughout the world today. Consider the state of affairs in the world and pray for people to see our Lord Jesus as the leader over all nations; in truth, righteousness, and peace.

The psalmist is asking God to take justice into his own hands in Psalm 82. The charge is that leaders have showed partiality to the bad aspects of society and have not defended the cause of the weak and the fatherless or the rights of the poor and oppressed.

Click on this piano piece: In The Garden: Norm Hastings, Piano. 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?

The verse I thought about while reading this passage is from Leviticus 19:15 “Be just – don’t show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly”. As we go through the stages of life, let us apply God’s gift of grace to inspire gentleness with the young, concern for the aged, sympathy for the striving, and tolerance for the weak and strong.

Taking, Giving and Receiving (edlunnon.wordpress.com)
The Gospel of Tolerance (beyondwaiting.wordpress.com)
Psalm 81 – 83 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Christ, Christianity, God, Jesus, Norm Hastings, Piano, Psalm, religion & spirituality | Leave a comment

Psalm 81

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Mark Shields

In reading Psalm 81, the thought received is that God schedules times of joy and this tells us that He wants us to be happy. Every church service should be a time to celebrate the victory God has given through Jesus. Every lesson or sermon we listen to is filled with spiritual food to satisfy our soul. By listening and acting on God’s Word, things in life have a tendency to be set up in our favor so the victory comes now and last for eternity.

Sometimes I feel like the character played by Don Knotts in this video: Don Knotts – The Shakiest Gun in the West Fast Draw Trick Show .

I might be afraid at times but with God I can feel that there will always be help.

One can fail over and over in life but if they simply realize they are being touched with something different because of Christ and keep giving their best shot, battles are won. This day with God will be amazing because hope gave optimism in a time of despair, faith gives courage in time of doubt, and love will bring victory in a time of hate.

Today, my thoughts are on the sure victory Christ has given us. My prayer is that more will claim this victory Christ gave us on the cross and celebrate this victory with others. No matter what happens in life, God loves us and that is all that matters.

Psalm 81 – 83 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Christ, Christianity, Evangelism, God, Jesus, Psalm, religion & spirituality, Step Ahead of Competition | Leave a comment

Questions Answered at Christmas

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Mark Shields

Leading up to Christmas, a sermon series at my church titled “What Child is This” was presented. Several questions of those who were at the first Christmas were addressed. Like us, they had questions but they all were answered on Christmas.

If you read in Luke 1:26-38, Mary had questions but she trusted God with all her heart. In Matthew 1-2, several others at the first Christmas had questions. Joseph had questions but he didn’t hesitate. Instead he trusted God and followed His path immediately even when it was risky. His faith kept him going until in God’s time the questions were answered. It wasn’t easy for the Wise Men but what kept them going was to find Jesus and it’s the same for us today. What keeps us going is the constant reminder of what He did for us on the cross and this inspires us to want to give Him our best in whatever we do. Like the Innkeeper, will we make room for Jesus with our time and in our thoughts? The wise men did. They looked for and kept on following the star. We too should look for and keep following our Superstar, Jesus Christ. Lift Him up because it’s Good News for all.

Click on the piano piece above or this link: The First Noel: Norm Hastings, Piano. While listening, reflect on what Christmas means to you. Share those amazing moments of this past year by responding with a short note or a comment. Also, feel free to share any favorite inspirational videos, photos, sermon thoughts, or favorite Bible verses.

Each day we wake up, we can continue to dream and believe because God’s grace keeps flowing like a never ending river. For inspiring sermon messages throughout the New Year, you’re invited to listen or watch at this link: Sermon Podcast.

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Bible, Biblical Magi, Christmas, God, Gospel of Luke, Innkeeper, Jesus, Jesus Christ | Leave a comment

Psalm 81 – 83 Questions for Reflection

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Mark Shields

Share with us those amazing moments of your past or present by responding with a short note or a comment about any of these questions below. Also, share with us any favorite inspirational videos, photos, sermon thoughts, or favorite Bible verses.

Psalm 81
Passage Lookup

What does the fact that God schedules times of joy (there are many more feast days than fast days) tell you about God and the kind of life he wants you to live? What does God promise if Israel will listen to him?

Psalm 82
Passage Lookup

What is the charge? The command? To whom have they shown partiality (see verse Lev. 19:15). Are you concerned enough about injustice to call on God to judge the earth or do you just talk about it with other people?

Psalm 83
Passage Lookup

On what basis does the psalmist call for help? What is the psalmist’s ultimate reason for calling down God’s judgments on the opposition? Is your motivation for judgment that of verse 18? Why?

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Why put off living? Instead of dreaming of some magical day in the future, enjoy the amazing things that happen right now by spending this day with God!

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 Psalm | Tagged Chapters and verses of the Bible, Christ, God, InterVarsity Press, Israel, Psalm, United Methodist Church | 4 Comments

Psalm 80

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Mark Shields

Image via Wikipedia

In Psalm 80, the nation of Israel is represented as an unhealthy vine; separated from the nutrients of God because of the infectious spiritual condition of sin. God intervened to provide a healing process as the Light shined and the vine grew so today its branches give shade to comfort us. Now the vine has grown to represent the church, the root of the vine is Christ, and the branches are believers.

God’s people were separated from God but by accepting the gift of abundant life through His Son, the healing can begin. To maintain spiritual health, His Word provides food for the mind and creates light for understanding.

My hope is that you will be moved by this video and that it inspires you as you spend this day with God: Healing Begins – Tenth Avenue North.

My prayer today is to continue to thank God for the gift of His son, take in His Word as spiritual food, and continue to shine the light so more branches grow to provide comfort for us all.