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

Apply Faith for a Purpose

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Mark Shields

This is a new and glorious day to prepare our heart and mind. To gain precious insight from reading John 16:1-11, take in instructions on how to accomplish today’s tasks, and apply our faith for a purpose. Spirit inside will guide with the steps to take as we seek to glorify God by doing what He wants us to do and living the way He wants us to live.

In today’s passage, Jesus discusses with the disciples about the future as a warning. They needed to be prepared for what would happen. That the world would want to kill them. The world persecuted Jesus and his followers because the world didn’t accept His teachings about sin and righteousness and judgment. About repentance and grace.

He would no longer physically be with them, but would send the Advocate, the Counselor, or Holy Spirit who would lead them in the future. Jesus said the Counselor will take his place. From heaven, the goodness of God will flow and reside inside their soul. The indwelling Spirit will be available to believers at all times to teach, guide, and help them apply their faith.

Thank You for this day Lord for the opportunity to gain precious insight from Your Word and the chance to act on this insight for Your glory and our joy. Give us the wisdom Lord along with the discipline to live by this wisdom in all we do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Posted in Applied Faith, Bible Study | Tagged Bible Study, Counselor, Faith, Guidance, Holy Spirit, Insight, Learning, Photo, Prayer, Purpose | 1 Comment

Thought From Devotional 02-23-2024

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Mark Shields

These are big benefits God gives to His people. A devotional thought from reading 1 Kings 20 is that there is a big plus God gives us to help gain the victory against the forces of evil. By accepting Jesus, there is grace, the Holy Spirit, and the power to be victorious.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Thoughts From Devotional | Tagged Advantages, Advice, Courage, Devotional, Information, Photo, Power, Prayer, Sports, victory, Worship | 1 Comment

Take Courage

Posted on February 22, 2024 by Mark Shields

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” – Matthew 14:27

Within the post “Courage to Step Ahead”, we noted that people will tell us we will never be triumphant but don’t listen to them. The presence of the Counselor will stabilize our life against the world’s hatred.

Listen to the song Voice of Truth – Casting Crowns. Let us have the courage to step out of our comfort zone and bring glory to God. Then, share about the victories.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Courage, Devotionals | Tagged Advocate, Counselor, Courage, Devotional, Grace, Leadership, Praise, Prayer, Repentance, Truth, victory, Video, Worship | 2 Comments

Courage to Step Ahead

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Mark Shields

There will be times when life is difficult. The world will frighten and scare but remember, the Advocate will be there. Making a stand against those that oppose takes courage. The courage to lead, the courage to do what’s right, and the courage to tell the truth. It takes courage to step ahead to a triumphant future. As we read John 15:18-27, let us be assured that God will direct our steps and give assurance in overcoming those against us.

Noted in today’s passage, the world was against Jesus without reason. In fact, the world hated Jesus and hated his followers too because they were chosen out of the world. The world persecuted Jesus and his followers because the world didn’t accept His teachings of repentance and grace.

We are told in the passage that there is a relationship between the Father, Son, and His followers. Those who follow the Son, receive the Advocate or the Counselor who testifies about the Truth. As we step ahead into the future, let us accept Jesus as Savior. Let us receive the power of the Father, work with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and know the Holy Spirit is with us along the journey.

People will tell us we will never be triumphant but don’t listen to them. The presence of the Counselor will stabilize our life against the world’s hatred, so listen to the voice of Truth. Let us have the courage to step out of our comfort zone and bring glory to God. Then, share about the victories.

Father God, we sometimes feel afraid because of those who oppose us and what they want to do to us … but because of Jesus, we can take courage because we have the Counselor to guide our steps. So, this day, we boldly step ahead to do everything for Your glory. We know those who oppose us will keep on trying to cause harm, but we can keep going step by step. Even death has no sting because of what You bring which is the courage to face fear or disappointment. You will guide and provide now and forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Courage | Tagged Advocate, Bible Study, Counselor, Courage, Grace, Leadership, Photo, Prayer, Repentance, Truth, victory | 2 Comments

Stay Connected

Posted on February 20, 2024 by Mark Shields

American fruit by Library of Congress is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”. – John 15:5

Explained in “Connected to the Vine”, Jesus is the vine, the Father is the vine dresser, and the disciples are the branches. To produce fruit, there needs to be some pruning by the vine dresser. Look at adversity as part of this pruning to make one fit for service. Like Christ who went through a painful death yet proved His love on the cross, we are to let our love show in the difficulties that we go through.

Jesus then goes on to say the following in John 15:17

“This is my command: Love each other”.

Let us stay connected and stay in the Light as the song Stay by Jeremy Camp says. Life may be difficult, but with prayer, we can get through adversity. Then we can keep living by God’s principles, be of service for His glory, and share with friends about our experiences.