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

Rewards Await Those Who Know God Is Great

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Mark Shields

A baby giraffe trying to reach the leaves

The giraffe gets food from way up high like God’s Word feeds us with power from way up high. Take in the lessons learned for the rewards await those who know God is great. Be encouraged for help is on the way.

In the previous passage, Elijah was reaching up high for power and received courage to go up against his enemies. He was willing to take risk, overcame the obstacles in the way, and let nothing stop him. He glorified God with the Mount Carmel Incident by setting up an opportunity for God’s power to be demonstrated so more would accept the ONE true God in their hearts rather than the worship of idols.

Reading in 1 Kings 19, we note a contrasting facet of Elijah’s personality. He now becomes afraid (v. 3). He started running for his life because the wife of King Ahab named Jazebel didn’t react in an understanding way when the prophets of her idol named Baal were killed. She sent a messenger to Elijah to let him know his head would be on a chopping block.

Elijah was on the run and had virtually given out. Ready to accept death, he fell asleep under a bush (v. 5). We all can reach a point of exhaustion both mentally and physically. That’s when we must continue to believe that God is present to provide for our needs. The first need God meets for Elijah in today’s passage is food and water (v. 6).

There was also an angel of the Lord that touched him and encouraged him. Elijah was strengthened by the food as we can be strengthened by God’s physical and spiritual food. This day with God, lift your voice up and reach up high. Be one of God’s angels and help a friend by touching them with refreshing encouragement.

God … We have read Your Word and know that Elijah was a prophet during a time of bad kings, fake gods, and hearts gone astray. He had faith and courage during his time to point out that You God … Yaweh had a better Way. Even though Elijah goes wayward for a while in today’s passage, and we go wayward at times, help us to know that You are with us every step of the Way to carry on. In Jesus’ name we pray … amen.

Photo of Giraffe – Taken at Disney Wild Kingdom Park

Posted in Bible Study, Rewards | Tagged Bible Study, Encouragement, Faith, Photo, Prayer, Rewards, Strength, Worship | 2 Comments

The Power Works Within

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Mark Shields

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. - Ephesians 3:20

The nation of Israel worshiped idols instead of the ONE true God so there was a drought that led to a famine in the land. Ahab thought Elijah was the troublemaker but Elijah knew the trouble was caused by the worship of idols so a challenge was set up so the people’s hearts could be won over by the ONE true God.

The main take away from “Reach Out and Remove Doubt” is that those working for the Lord have a great advantage with the power that works within to make amazing feats happen. Elijah didn’t hide from those against him. He took risk, overcame obstacles, and let nothing stop him. That’s exactly how you can approach each day as you set out to accomplish great things for the glory of the Lord.

As the song In Jesus Name (God of Possible) by Katy Nichole points out, there is a power that works within because circumstances change when you pray in Jesus’ name.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Make Impossible Possible | Tagged Accomplishment, Amazing, Challenges, Devotional, Make Impossible Possible, Miracles, Praise, Worship | 1 Comment

Reach Out And Remove Doubt

Posted on August 14, 2023 by Mark Shields

Sometimes we face circumstances that seem impossible. Things can stack up at work, financial challenges are faced, or health issues keep us from being at our best. That’s when we need the boost from the Word of God. All the great miracles we read about let us know that the impossible becomes possible when God is in control. There is no more doubt when we reach out for God’s help.

We have noted before that the worship of idols angered God so a drought was brought on which led to famine. Reading 1 Kings 18 today, the Lord told Elijah to present himself to Ahab and He would send rain to the land (v. 1).

Elijah was a prophet of Israel and Ahab was king of the northern kingdom of Israel who built a temple and altar to Baal. Ahab thought Elijah was the troublemaker, but Elijah knew the trouble was caused by the worship of idols.

Elijah set up a challenge on Mount Carmel (v. 20). Ahab’s people would call on the name of their idol Baal and Elijah would call on the name of the Lord. The one who answered by fire would win the hearts of the people and be accepted as the ONE true God (v. 24).

Ahab’s people called on their idol Baal but there was no answer to their commands. On the other hand, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel responded to the command of Elijah. He amazed the people by producing a fire that burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench (v. 38).

Think of current times. What recent experience in your life has caused you to say, “The Lord, He is God”?

Think of the amazing feats accomplished through God’s people and recorded in His Word. In current times, we witness amazing accomplishments through His people. From breaking world records in sports to new discoveries in technology and science.

The main take away for me today is that those working for the Lord have greater power to make amazing feats happen. Elijah didn’t hide from those against him. He took risk, overcame obstacles, and let nothing stop him. That’s exactly how we should approach each day as we reach out and remove doubt about the power of God by accomplishing amazing feats for the glory of the Lord.

This day with You Lord, we can read about the amazing that you do. Each day can be a challenge but when we reach out to You, there is no more doubt. We can be confident because You are with us and Your unlimited power will meet our deepest need. Be it a need for peace, for hope, or for healing. For revival, salvation, and victory because You are with us to guide and provide. Amen.

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

Posted in Bible Study, Make Impossible Possible | Tagged Accomplishment, Amazing, Bible Study, Challenges, Make Impossible Possible, Miracles, Photo, Prayer, Worship | 3 Comments

Pressing Challenges

Posted on August 13, 2023 by Mark Shields

From Psalm 70, David’s appeal to God was made because he was in a difficult time as his enemies had him where they wanted him.

We may not have enemies coming after us but there are pressing challenges to take on in life as work piles up and tough issues have to be faced. If we daily prepare by reading God’s Word, reflection, and prayer, we can be confident because prayer and listening to God through His Word prepares us to make accurate decisions with quick action.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Overcome Difficulty | Tagged Bible Study, Challenges, Decisions, Desire, Devotional, Encouragement, Lake Tahoe, Photo, Praise, Prayer, Preparation | 1 Comment

Poetry Friday 08-11-2023

Posted on August 11, 2023 by Mark Shields

A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by “Strength in You” pointing out that you have certain strengths or gifts God has given. Through the Spirit, discover your gifts for the express purpose of kingdom building. God thinks you are AWESOME! Focus on what you can do and not on what you wish you could do. Then what seemed to be impossible will become possible.

As pointed out in the song You Say by Lauren Daigle, the world wants to tell you that you will never measure up but God tells you to never give up. Believe in what God thinks of you. Find your worth, identify as His child, and renew your strength day by day.