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

Walk in the Light

Posted on January 22, 2024 by Mark Shields

As we walk along the path, we have the Light to follow, Holy Spirit to guide, power to push us forward, and grace if we get out of alignment. These spiritual resources create integrity that will lead us to victory with blessings beyond what can be imagined.

Reading today in John 12:37-50, noted is that some saw the miracles of Jesus yet still did not believe. As was written in Isaiah 6:10, their eyes were blinded, and their hearts hardened so they couldn’t see the Light. On the other hand, many believed yet didn’t admit it openly because of the fear of the Pharisees. What they believed and what they did in life didn’t align with what they communicated.

What we believe, communicate, and do needs to be aligned. On a church bulletin was the following:

The fasting and prayer conference includes meals.*

Does something not seem right with this communication? When things don’t align, it makes things very difficult. It’s the same with our life plan. If it doesn’t fit with what God wants, it’s not going to work. We need to make sure our life plan lines up with what God has laid out in order to be assured of going down the path victoriously.

Another thought from reading today’s passage is that we love praise from others like doing a good job, making the grade, getting a promotion, etc. but how about praise of God?

Receiving approval from others gives a good feeling but is only short term. Approval from God brings joy forever! Jesus says in verses 44-50 that He came into the world as light so those who believe will stay out of darkness. They will be saved, but those who do not accept His words will be condemned.

We are approved by God when we accept Jesus in our heart and that’s when victory in life truly takes place as the Spirit lives inside to guide as we walk in the Light of His goodness.

This day with You Lord, we are getting prepared for the challenges ahead. There are times when we fall short. What we say does not always align with what we do. We want to know where we fall short and what we need to do. Your Word helps us follow the path of Light and the Truth will set us free. We seek your approval each day as we step ahead in Jesus’ name, amen.

*Church Bulletin Bloopers – Seniorific News, Dec 2015

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

Posted in Bible Study, Integrity | Tagged Approval, Bible Study, Blessings, Communication, Grace, Integrity, Joy, Photo, Prayer, victory | 2 Comments

Thought From Devotional 01-19-2024

Posted on January 19, 2024 by Mark Shields

Revealed in 1 Kings 15:9-24 is a king who did what was right in the eyes of God. Situations can make it difficult to change everything immediately for the better but a leader can plan, organize, give direction, and begin switching the situation to the point that positive reform can start. A nation who seeks wisdom from God’s word will begin to see the tide change and momentum for success kick in because the nation becomes strong, enemies are handled, and there is peace within.

Index of devotionals

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

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Good Common Sense | Tagged Bible Study, Hope, Joy, Organize, Peace, Photo, Plan, Prayer, Wisdom | 2 Comments

Many Seeds

Posted on January 18, 2024 by Mark Shields

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” – John 12:23-24

Jesus’ death on the cross produced many seeds. As explained in “Follow the Passion of Jesus”, these seeds have grown into the fruits of the Spirit; building intangibles living inside each person to guide.

Plant more sees today. Take inspiration from the song I Believe by Phil Wickham and share with others about the path to the place prepared for all who believe in the name of Jesus.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Faith | Tagged Devotional, Difficulties, Faith, Holy Spirit, Inspiration, Passion, Photo, Praise, Prayer, Purpose, Worship | 2 Comments

Follow the Passion of Jesus

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Mark Shields

This day with God, we will tune into the Holy Spirit, get in the rhythm of the Father’s heart, and follow the passion of Jesus as we step ahead. Over and over again, the Bible teaches to align our heart and our mind with actions.

To align our heart and mind today, we are reading John 12:20-36. Noted is that there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Passover festival who wanted to see Jesus. They sought the Truth and we all need this Truth too!

Things may be obscure to some but obvious to those walking in the Light. Like when Jesus said in John 12:24 that many seeds are produced from the death of a plant or fruit. Many did not understand at the time, but now it’s easier to understand that the death of Jesus on the cross has produced seed that continues to multiple with each new believer.

Also, the seed of God’s Word grows into the fruits of the Spirit; building intangibles living inside each person to guide. These intangibles will shine the light on the path as we step ahead. There may be difficulties, but we will have the passion to keep going even when roadblocks are put up because we care more about God’s glory than our short term struggles.

If we follow the passion of Christ, we die to selfish desires in order to live for Christ.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

By surrendering all, we carry out our call by following the passion of Jesus.

Reading further, Jesus said that the time was approaching for the Son of Man to be glorified (v. 23). Because of Jesus’ passion to follow through with His sacrificial death on the cross, we all have the opportunity to believe and receive eternal life.

Father God, we are thankful that Jesus followed through with His purpose and because of His passion, we are inspired to follow through on the purpose you have for each of us which is to produce even more fruit by inviting others to follow Jesus. This day, we are going forward without knowing what the future holds, but we are assured of a better place as we step ahead following Jesus. In His name we pray, amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Faith | Tagged Bible Study, Difficulties, Faith, Holy Spirit, Inspiration, Passion, Photo, Prayer, Purpose, Worship | 4 Comments

On the Pathway to Passion

Posted on January 16, 2024 by Mark Shields

They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting,


“Hosanna!

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

“Blessed is the king of Israel!” – John 12:13

Shared in the post “Spirit Inside to Guide” was how Jesus put in the effort to care for people. He got on a donkey and the people waved palm branches as He was on the pathway to passion.

Jesus was ready to carry out His purpose as He surrendered all to fulfill His call. He loves you and He demonstrated that love on the Cross. You are a treasure beyond measure!

The Word is available to teach about how to live and He has sent the Holy Spirit to guide, so be drawn to Jesus to improve your life now and for eternity. Once your situation in life improves, express your thankfulness with songs like Gratitude by Brandon Lake and praise Him again and again.