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

Psalm 84 – 86 Questions for Reflection

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Mark Shields

God’s principles never change. A daily devotional time using “This Day with God” internalizes His guiding principles becoming an instrument which pushes us to focus on Him in every activity throughout our day.

Psalm 84
Passage Lookup

What is the psalmist’s desire? How does he feel about coming into God’s presence? What images express his joy? What images express God’s attributes? What is so appealing about being close to God?

Psalm 85
Passage Lookup

What are the thoughts of the returned exiles as they begin the task of reconstruction? How does God speak peace to his people? What is the individual’s responsibility? How have you experienced God’s blessing as seen in his attributes here? Why?

Psalm 86
Passage Lookup

What does David request? Enumerate and relate his reasons for believing God will answer each request. What are your needs? What resources of God correspond to each need?

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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. Also, share with us any favorite inspirational videos, photos, sermon thoughts, or favorite Bible verses.

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

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

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Chapters and verses of the Bible, Christ, David, God, InterVarsity Press, Psalm, United Methodist Church | 3 Comments

Psalm 83

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Mark Shields

In Psalm 83, the psalmist is calling for help because of the unjust treatment of God’s people. The ultimate reason the psalmist wants God to come down on the opposition is to make them realize His power and convey to them the need to worship Him as the only true God.

In present times, it is not people that we need to go to war with but sin. We need to get mean and prepare to defeat this enemy of our soul. Take a look at this pep talk video below or at this link: Make War – John Piper.

The little things add up and cause the most harm. Look out for those things at war on the inside like pride, envy, greed, and the constant need for approval from others. Make war against these enemies and ask God for help in rooting out these things that pollute the Spirit.

The war continues for 2012 but God will ultimately triumph. We all are involved in this war and there is a need for all friends of the church to unite. This day with God, pray that we do unite so amazing things can happen and the war can be won.

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

Posted in Psalm | Tagged Chapters and verses of the Bible, Christ, God, Israel, Jesus, John Piper, Psalm, religion & spirituality, Step Ahead of Competition | 1 Comment

Happy New Year – Starting Well 2012

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Mark Shields

I hope you all have had a very special Holiday season. My family has established a tradition of attending the candle light Christmas Eve service at church. As each candle was lit, it was touching to see the darkness become brighter with each candle and once everyone had their candle lit, they lifted it high above their heads as a thank you to Jesus.

As we begin a New Year, may we continue to light each other’s candle so the light shines even brighter throughout the world? Even if the previous year was not that terrific, this year can be different. Each day is a fresh start where we can seek God with all our heart by studying His Word and applying it to our life. It’s not going to be easy and we need some weapons to fight this battle. That’s why over the last few years I’ve started development of “This Day with God” Bible study guide to keep me on track.

It helps to know that others are following my journey. It’s a battle we face because of our busy world and there are many distractions. We owe it to God to fight this battle and “This Day with God” devotional intends to be one weapon to help fight as we go through 2012.

So I hope you’re refueled to full capacity and ready to start your engines for 2012. Be sure and visit my church if you live in or ever visit central Texas. Also, keep up with the weekly podcast if you need refueling at this link: Sermon Podcast. Have a wonderful 2012!

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Christianity, Christmas and holiday season, God, Holiday, Jesus, New Year, Religion and Spirituality, Texas | 3 Comments

Psalm 82

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Mark Shields

Image via Wikipedia

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.