This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey

Useful for His Purpose

Posted on August 3, 2026 by Mark Shields

After the fall at the Garden of Eve to current times, the world has continued to crash.

Did you know that the oldest computer was owned by Adam and Eve. It was an Apple with limited memory. Just 1 byte and everything crashed. *

Crash indeed and the results were devastating just as we read today in Jeremiah 13. In this passage we’re given two vivid parables—one about a linen belt and another about wineskins—each offering a picture of how God longs for His people to live. The linen belt, once close to the body but later ruined, reminds us of how Israel was meant to cling to the Lord in purity and purpose. The wineskins, stretched and filled, point to the need for hearts that can hold the newness of God’s work without bursting under the weight of old ways. Together, these images call us to stay close to God, to remain spiritually supple, and to let Him shape us into vessels that honor Him.

The ruined linen belt in Jeremiah’s parable paints a vivid picture of what happens when pride takes root in the human heart. Just as the waistcloth became rotted and useless, pride slowly decays our character from the inside out, leaving us unable to reflect God’s beauty or fulfill His purpose. But God offers a better way. When we humble ourselves before Him—laying down our self-importance and clinging to His wisdom—He restores what pride would have ruined and shapes us into vessels that honor Him.

In today’s passage, a solemn warning rises from the text—a declaration of doom and desolation for those who turned from the living God to worship false gods. Their devotion to powerless idols led them down a path of destruction, not because God delighted in judgment, but because abandoning Him always leads to ruin. The passage stands as a stark reminder that misplaced worship carries real consequences, urging us to keep our hearts anchored in the One who alone gives life.

To avoid the fate warned in the passage, we must be willing to change course with intentional discipline. A steady, disciplined prayer life keeps our hearts aligned with God’s voice, softening us where pride once hardened. And as we devote ourselves to the study of God’s Word, we gain the clarity, strength, and wisdom needed to walk in the direction He desires. Through these practices, God reshapes our path and anchors us in His truth.

🙏 Prayer 🙏

As we strive to live holy lives Father God, let us remember that we do not walk this journey alone. Your grace continually sustains us, lifting us when we grow weary. Your Word lights our path with truth, steadying our steps when the way feels uncertain. And Your Spirit empowers us from within, giving strength, wisdom, and courage for every moment. With You surrounding, guiding, and filling us, we can walk forward in confidence and hope.

*Peace & Truth. (n.d.). https://peace-truth.com/

Posted in Bible Study, Discipline | Tagged Bible Study, Confidence, Courage, Discipline, Empowerment, Grace, Hope, Humility, Photo, Prayer, Pride, Purpose, Strength, Truth, Wisdom, Worship | 1 Comment

🎵 Worship Song Sunday Inspired by Jeremiah 12

Posted on August 2, 2026 by Mark Shields

All week, my heart has leaned into the study of Jeremiah 12 to build something that lasts—not just for today, but for every tomorrow. I’ve sought truth that stirs me now, igniting a deeper desire to walk in God’s Way. And I’ve listened for something I can carry forward, a sound that keeps me stepping ahead in faith by transforming spiritual insights into song. Out of this pursuit, a worship song has emerged—born from scripture, shaped by reflection, and filled with hope. Like a candle in the dark, our hope illuminates the path forward, guiding each step as we move toward a victorious finish.

Link to Song – Link

Candle in the Dark

Verse 1

When the night feels heavy
and the road is long,
hope becomes my lantern,
a quiet, steady song.
Though the world seems broken,
and evil has its day,
Your light keeps me moving,
You show the righteous way.

Pre-Chorus

You whisper strength within me,

so, the victory will start
You remind me You are faithful,
and You lift my weary heart.

Chorus

You are my hope, my strength in the storm,
A candle in the dark still burning strong.
Even when the night feels long and hard,
Your Light is leading me on.
I hold to You, Lord, victory is Yours—
In Jesus’ name I stand restored.
You are my hope, my candle in the dark,
Forever lighting my heart.

Verse 2

Teach me grace for others—
my spouse, my child, my friends.
Help me see the best in them
the way Your mercy bends.
In Your perfect timing
all things find their place;
You lead me by Your Spirit,
You fill my life with grace.

Pre‑Chorus

So, I keep holding on, Lord,
I give one more chance.
Your love keeps me believing,
Your truth helps me advance.

Chorus

You are my hope, my strength in the storm,
A candle in the dark still burning strong.
Even when the night feels long and hard,
Your light is leading me on.
I hold to You, Lord, victory is Yours—
In Jesus’ name I stand restored.

Bridge

You shine in the shadows,
You break through the fear.
Your light is my promise—
I know You’re always near.
You shine in the shadows,
and darkness cannot stay.
Your hope is my anthem,
my song of endless praise.

Final Chorus (Lift)

You are my hope, my candle in the dark,
Forever lighting my heart.

Posted in Hope, Worship, Worship Song | Tagged Courage, Faith, Faithful, Grace, Hope, Love, Mercy, Praise, Reflection, Restoration, Righteousness, Scripture, Song, Strength, victory, Worship | 2 Comments

✝️ Statements of Faith Friday 07-31-2026

Posted on July 31, 2026 by Mark Shields

✨ Hope and Perseverance

I hold onto hope, knowing it helps me endure every season.
Hope shines in me like a candle in the dark, bringing brightness even in hardship.
Though evil may seem to prosper, my confidence remains in the Lord who brings victory in the end.
I choose to hope for the best in others—my spouse, my children, and those I work with.
I trust that in God’s perfect timing, all things work out for the righteous.
I walk forward led by the Light, steady and secure.
I keep holding on, strengthened by God’s faithfulness.
I give grace, give room, and give one more chance where the Spirit leads.
I pray in Jesus’ name, believing He hears and responds with wisdom and love.
I stand firm in hope, knowing God is working even when I cannot see it.

Posted in Hope, Statement of Faith | 1 Comment

✨ Thoughts for Thursday 07-30-2026

Posted on July 30, 2026 by Mark Shields

Our thoughts are powerful catalysts, sparking the momentum that propels us forward on the path God has designed. They shape our perspective, energize, and direct our steps. Below is a thought from Jeremiah 12.

Even when evil seems to win for a moment, that moment is not the whole story. One temporary defeat does not equal a total loss, and God reminds us that His timeline stretches far beyond what we see. Our part is to keep doing what is right, to stay steady in obedience, and to keep following the path He lays before us. In the end, it is God’s plan—not the world’s shortcuts—that brings true and lasting victory, shaping a future where righteousness stands and His purposes prevail.

Posted in Hope, Thoughts From Devotional | Tagged Momentum, Obedience, Photo, Purpose, Righteousness, Success, Thoughts From Devotional, victory | 1 Comment

Training for Victory

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Mark Shields

The path of the righteous is like a morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. – Proverbs 4:18

The takeaway from Jeremiah 12—and the heart behind A Candle in the Dark—is that we won’t always understand God’s timing, but that doesn’t mean He’s absent or slow. The very challenges that feel heavy or confusing are often the training ground for the victory He is shaping in the distance. What looks like delay is really preparation. So, we keep doing the right things, walking in obedience, and maintaining hope, trusting that the God who sees the end from the beginning is guiding us toward a finish far greater than anything we could build on our own.

Take inspiration from the song Keep Holding On by Jeremy Rosado and keep holding on because there are moments when life feels heavy, but God keeps whispering that it’s not too late for His goodness to break through. When we call on His name, doors we thought were sealed begin to open, strength rises where we felt empty, and miracles unfold in ways only He can orchestrate. So don’t give up now. Get up one more time, take one more step, breathe one more prayer, and keep holding on. The God who has carried you this far is still writing your story, and He knows exactly how to turn this chapter into victory.