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

Can’t Get Better Than This

Posted on April 3, 2024 by Mark Shields

What was written in the Old Testament many years ago was fulfilled as recorded in the Gospel writings. The crucifixion of Jesus was on Friday and His body had been laid in a tomb. At this point, the disciples were downcast, and the mood was, “can’t get worse than this”. Continuing the journey through the Bible today in John 20:1-10, it starts to get better.

Things start to change on Sunday morning as Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb but notices the stone to the entrance had been removed and it was empty. She runs to Simon Peter and the other disciple to tell them what had happened.

Peter and John run to the tomb. John gets there first but does not go inside the tomb. When Peter arrives, he goes straight into the tomb noticing that the burial clothing was still in place but Jesus’ body no longer there. This is evidence that Jesus’ body had not been stolen but Jesus had risen from the dead!

The disciples were beginning to put it together about what Jesus had tried to explain to them. They saw and believed (v.8-9). Their mood was lifted at this point, the disciples were amazed, and the mood was, “can’t get better than this”. Jesus had risen from the dead! Then, Peter and John returned home to tell the others.

I’m reminded today of my time between graduation and the start of my career. In the summer of 1986, a buddy of mine from my hometown, decided to travel through Europe. We bought a Eurail pass that would take us anywhere in Europe. What was good about it was the freedom to just hop on a train and take off on a journey through Europe. We could be in Lucerne Switzerland in the morning and Innsbruck Austria in the afternoon.

We found out that a lot of young people in Europe spend the summer traveling. They carry their backpacks staying at hostels which are dorm like places to stay overnight. We were two Americans lugging around big suitcases so we didn’t fit in that good but it was fun.

There were times that the train was crowded or there was no privacy in the hostels. We had this saying, “It can’t get worse than this”. Then when we took the train ride through the Swiss Apps and there was another saying we came up with which was “It can’t get better than this”!

The Good News for followers of Jesus is that it only gets better and keeps getting better. There may be some down times but the long term outlook continues to be on the up side. The reason is because our inabilities are God’s possibilities. The journey with Jesus is designed to change us as we go on this amazing adventure.

Lord, we are thankful that our inabilities become Your possibilities. We reach out and there is no more doubt that things get better over time. We go on this amazing adventure to follow You Lord. What is blocked is no longer blocked. What is unknown becomes known because of You Lord. Even the power over death is defeated so we claim this power today in Jesus’ name, amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Make Impossible Possible | Tagged Adventure, Bible Study, Downcast, Excitement, Freedom, Journey, Photo, Possible, Prayer, Swiss Apps | 2 Comments

Questions for Reflection for Study of John 20 Through 21

Posted on April 2, 2024 by Mark Shields

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable to sharing about God’s word. As I share about my study of the book of John over the next few weeks, it’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Christ as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day amazing!

Questions for Reflection

John 20:1-10 – Who came to the tomb? When? What do they discover? How do they react? What has Jesus promised to do for you that perhaps you have not fully believed?

John 20:11-18 – What are some of Mary Magdalene’s feelings brought out in this passage? What makes her realize it was Jesus talking to her? How did she respond to Jesus’ revelation and command (See verses 2, 13, and 15)? How has Jesus revealed himself to you? How have you responded?

John 20:19-31 – How does Jesus greet his disciples? How are seeing and believing related for Thomas? How can we doubt less? How can we believe without seeing?

John 21:1-14 – How does Peter’s decision (v. 3) influence the other disciples? When do the disciples recognize Jesus? What power of Jesus does this incident reveal? What needs does Jesus fulfill for the disciples? What is a need Jesus can fulfill for you today?

John 21:15-25 – How does Simon Peter respond to Jesus’ question and command? What action does love for Christ produce? What is John’s basis for selecting these things to write (See John 20:30-31)?

Keep up with my spiritual journey over the next few weeks either through following this blog by clicking the follow button on the top right side of this page or by liking the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Let’s share thoughts or ideas about applying our faith as we step ahead along the path to victory.

To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

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

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

Posted in Bible Study, Questions for Reflection | Tagged Bible Study, Christ, Faith, God’s Plan, Holy Spirit, Hope, Leadership, Lessons, Life, Love, Prayer, Reflection, Scripture | Leave a comment

It Only Gets Better

Posted on April 1, 2024 by Mark Shields

We are nearing the end of our journey through the book of John with a couple more chapters to go. We will continue to be focused on the purpose of this blog as we continue to use it in helping us to apply His Word in our life. I’ve found it to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are keeping me accountable to daily Bible reading and study.

We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles at work, at home, and in all we do.

Here is a link to all the devotionals done so far

Index of devotionals

Anyone can join in as we journey together.

Also, the concepts presented in God’s Perfect Timing offer ideas for using our time wisely and the lessons of God’s Plan for Us gives a method towards making an impact in the world in which we live.

Posted in Bible Study, Faith | Tagged Bible Study, Faith, Hope, Journey, Optimism, Possibilities, victory | 1 Comment

Easter Victory

Posted on March 31, 2024 by Mark Shields

The winter no longer
Cold and blistery
As new growth of spring
Fills us with mystery.

The event of Easter    
Took us from despair,
To hope as the tomb
Was suddenly bare.

Reminding us now
Of God’s love
That fills us with joy,
From up above.

As the Lord’s Spirit 
Resides internal,
Guiding along 
To life eternal. 

Stepping ahead 
Into a wonderful mystery 
Uplifted because of
Easter victory.


Poem by Mark Shields – © 03-31-2024
Photo Source - "Bing." Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

Posted in Easter, Poems | Tagged Easter, Eternity, Joy, Love, Mystery, Path, Poetry, Soul, Spring | 1 Comment

Looking Back at John 17-19 For Encouragement on the Journey Ahead

Posted on March 30, 2024 by Mark Shields

For the last few weeks, the journey has taken me through John 17-19. Life can be a challenge but we have all we need because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Available is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The love displayed on the cross changes everything because we receive boldness, courage, and strength to take on each challenge of each day.

On the journey through John 17, noted was that Jesus showed us how to be the perfect team member by sharing His power from Father God with us. All believers can stand together as team members, and nothing can defeat us because there is total victory over the evil one. This day, we are one in Christ Jesus and He is glorified as we walk the path side by side together.

From John 18:1-27 is a lesson on courage. Jesus was not afraid at all when they came to arrest Him and taught by example. He knew what the future held, yet He was on a mission and had the courage to follow through. He faced His enemies in order to fulfill His purpose which was to suffer in this world in order to set you and me free.

As explained in John 18:28-40, God has given everyone a purpose. Jesus came as king of our spiritual realm to provide spiritual riches for each person. Pray that you know your purpose and affirm others as they pursue their important place in His kingdom.

Continuing the journey through John 19:1-16, noted is that our greatest strength comes from God because of Christ. A power is available that can move mountains, calm storms, and bring us through. Jesus carried the weight of the world on His shoulders, and He will carry us too.

Reading about Jesus’ finished work in John 19:17-30, explained is that Jesus devoted His entire life to every detail of God’s plan as laid out in the Scriptures. He demonstrated poise under tremendous stress as His life was freely given up as the sacrifice for you and me, so the debt of sin was paid.

After Jesus died on the cross as noted in John 19:31-42, the next day was Sabbath, so the Jewish leaders wanted to remove all the bodies left on the crosses. They asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down (v. 31). When they came to Jesus, He was already dead, so they didn’t break His legs. To make sure He was dead, the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear (v. 34).

This fulfills the scriptures written in Psalm 34:20!

He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.