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

Higher Location

Posted on May 6, 2024 by Mark Shields

When we are with God, we can observe things with a different perspective similar to looking at things from a higher location. I’m reminded of the time on vacation, and we went up The Tower of the Americas in San Antonio. It was built as the theme structure of the 1968 World’s Fair. It has an observation tower with spectacular views of the Alamo city and a restaurant called “Eyes Over Texas” that rotates around as you dine.

This day with God, we will be reading 2 Kings 3 to get our thoughts in line with that higher location so we get a big picture view. We read that there was an attack upon Moab because the king of Moab didn’t want to pay a tribute of lambs and wool from rams. He rebelled against the king of Israel.

The king of Israel mobilized all of Israel and ask the king of Judah along with the king of Edom to help. They were struggling in war against Moab, but a plan was given to save many people through the prophet named Elisha. He inquired of the Lord, and received instructions on how to execute the plan that gave victory as the king of Moab retreated.

Even though Israel was unfaithful to the ONE true God, the word of the Lord was with the prophet named Elisha who helped deliver them from destruction. God shows mercy and faithfulness to His inconsistent people. All it takes is a little faith along with a big picture view.

Faith comes first. Then listening for ideas, for plans, for ways to apply our faith by converting these ideas or plans into action. With faithful, consistent, and powerful prayer, we can receive the vision so let us start now getting to that higher location with a prayer so things will fall in place because of His grace.

This day with You Lord, we are seeking the reward. Getting to that higher location to get the big picture. We are listening each day as we come to You and accept the directions given. These directions are ideas and plans of action that we think about as we lead others today towards what is most important. To have that vision, we put first things first and are not distracted towards carrying out the vision for Your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray … Amen.

Photos – We took a family vacation to San Antonio in 2021 and got these photos. This one was taken from the ground looking towards the San Antonio Tower of the Americas Space Needle. The first photo at the beginning of this post is from the top looking down on the city.

Posted in Accurate Thinking, Bible Study | Tagged Bible Study, Faith, Grace, Ideas, Photo, Plans, Prayer, Reward, San Antonio, Thoughts, travel, Vision | 3 Comments

Thought From Devotional 05-03-2024

Posted on May 3, 2024 by Mark Shields

Nicodemus knew as pointed out in John 3:1-21 that Jesus was from God. Jesus then tells Nicodemus that to see the kingdom of God, one must be born again by being born of water and the Spirit (v. 5).

Like the force of the wind, we do not know where it comes from or where it is going but we hear the sound and can see that it moves objects. Just like when the sails gather the power of the wind to move a boat. So it is with the Spirit, we can see the results of what it produces.

The Spirit works in you telling you what to do and the purpose God has for you. Providing the power to push you through. So set sail and let God take you to new places never imagined before!

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

Posted in Thoughts From Devotional | Tagged Bible Study, Discover, Encouragement, Freedom, Photo, Prayer, Thoughts, Treasure, Truth | 1 Comment

Your Effort will Reap a Harvest

Posted on May 2, 2024 by Mark Shields

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9

This day with God, covet opportunities to verify the unbelievable and be a witness for others.

Noted in “Persistence in the Whirlwind of Life” was that before Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind, he asked Elisha what he could do for him. Elisha asked for a double portion of his spirit.

That’s a good lesson for us today. To continue to follow spiritual aspirations and never stop because our effort will reap a harvest beyond what could ever be imagined.

Let us take inspiration from the song Unrestrained by Jeremy Camp and give it our all as we follow Jesus.

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Posted in Devotionals, Going Extra Mile | Tagged Aspirations, Devotional, Going Extra Mile, Loyalty, Photo, Praise, Prayer, Prophecy, Purpose, Reward, Treasure, Worship | 1 Comment

Persistence in the Whirlwind of Life

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Mark Shields

Life can be a whirlwind but we covet opportunities to verify the unbelievable and be a witness for others. There are obstacles and setbacks but we must keep going, be patient, and persistent at not letting them get us off track. We pick ourselves up and get back on the road again.

In 2 Kings 2, we are told that the Lord would take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah had told Elisha not to go with him. Elisha could have just did what Elijah said to do and stayed behind but he would not leave Elijah, and he continued to walk with him.

Elisha was tested several times about continuing to go with Elijah, but he demonstrated the quality of loyalty to Elijah and said the following:

“As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.”

After not following the advice from the company of prophets at Jericho who knew what was going to happen, Elisha kept going to help and support his friend. He faced the danger but stuck with his good friend and spiritual teacher until the prophecy was carried out, and Elijah was taken to heaven in a whirlwind.

Before Elijah was taken, he asked Elisha, what he could do for him. Elisha asked for a double portion of his spirit. That’s a good lesson for us today. To continue to follow our spiritual aspirations. Don’t stop but give the effort with confidence that we will reap a harvest beyond what could ever be imagined.

All Elisha wanted was to carry out the purpose God had given him. Later in this chapter, we note that Elisha was given great spiritual power. One power he demonstrated was to make the water pure so it would provide health and allow the land to flourish. Another instance noted was the curse he put on the boys who jeered him at Bethel. The boys were mauled by two bears who came out of the woods (v.24).

This life can be a whirlwind but even in difficulty, the storm is calm when we follow Jesus. Thank you Lord for opportunities to verify the unbelievable and witness to others about Your great power. Like Elisha following his spiritual teacher, we aspire to follow Jesus with confidence that our effort will reap a harvest. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

Posted in Bible Study, Going Extra Mile | Tagged Aspirations, Bible Study, Going Extra Mile, Loyalty, Photo, Prayer, Prophecy, Purpose, Reward, Treasure | 5 Comments

Solid Support

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Mark Shields

Stand Firm and you will win life. – Luke 21:19

A takeaway from “Falling Through” is that when faced with difficulty, the ONE true God should be consulted. He is the “rock” who has the power to heal, to give shelter, to give hope, and guarantees a solid path to a bright future. When we walk with God, we are walking on His solid principles for support and will not fall through.

Praise God that His Word has solid principles to stand on. Like the song This is the Stuff by Francesca Battistelli points out, it is during our frustration that we can give God our appreciation. If stuff happens, God can clean up the mess and bless.