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

Share the Word

Posted on July 26, 2023 by Mark Shields

God’s law helps us to see our faults and understand that we need help. Jesus is that help and the Holy Spirit gives the freedom to start new, to plan, to think and come up with ideas that make us better. That’s why there is a need for daily study of God’s word, prayer, and planning as we step ahead throughout our day.

This day with God, we continue in 1 Kings 14:21-15:8. The two kings from today’s passage where influenced by mother’s who were from nations that worshiped idols. Parents have a tremendous influence in the spiritual life of their children. That’s why there is a need for parents to know the Word of God and share with their children.

God is provoked to jealousy when individuals, families, and nations worship idols. Before long, the nation begins to fall apart with behavior that leads to a downward spiral of failure. Drugs, alcohol, and crime make it impossible for society to be productive. The economy goes south and wars break out.

Instead, we can change the direction of our nation, we can worship the ONE true God and begin to explore, dream, and discover again. We don’t have to be disappointed by the things we didn’t do but we can get away from the comfort zone and sail away with gusto!

Lord … this day we set sail on our destination. We are going places we never thought we could because of our Risen Savior. We are empowered by the indwelling Spirit to live with purpose, to dream big, and work towards these dreams with determination. You will guide our steps and we will step ahead with courage to do what You say to do. When accomplishments are made, we will give You praise and all the glory. In Jesus’ name we pray … Amen!

Photo – The photo was taken near Lucerne Switzerland while traveling in Europe with a high school friend. We had both graduated from college and had some time available before we started our work careers.

Posted in Bible Study | 3 Comments

Maximizing Potential for His Glory

Posted on July 25, 2023 by Mark Shields

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
   and renew a steadfast spirit within me. – Psalm 51:10

From analysis of the life of Jeroboam in “Worship the Lord”, there is a need to be faithful to God by knowing our purpose. We need to test and approve God’s will in our life. If we do not design our life plan together with God, there’s a good chance we will fall into someone else’s plan that doesn’t maximize our potential for God’s glory.

This day with God, I’m inspired by the song Every Good Thing by The Afters. God is the reason for every good thing so I’m thankful for the plan He has given and will strive to be the best God made me to be.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Purpose | Tagged Devotional, enthusiasm, Faith, Hope, Love, Mysteries, Passion, Praise, Purpose, Spirit, Worship | 1 Comment

Worship the Lord

Posted on July 24, 2023 by Mark Shields

Share with others today’s post and worship our Lord who brings to us the mysteries of the Spirit along with knowledge for our mind.

What do you call an elephant that doesn’t matter? Irrelephant!*

When you worship the Lord, it’s not irrelevant … it matters so let us worship today the ONE who inspires passion, enthusiasm, and purpose.

Today, we are analyzing 1 Kings 14:1-20. Jeroboam was the king of Israel who reigned after God took the kingdom away from the house of David. He didn’t follow instructions from God but worshiped idols, so he had to try to hide who he really was but with Ahijah, there was no pretense. As prophet, he told people exactly what God had told him even if it was bad news.

The sins of Jeroboam would eventually affect his family and the whole nation of Israel. His son would die, the nation would be destroyed, and Israel would no longer have a king from the ancestors of Jeroboam.

From an analysis of the life of Jeroboam, there is a need to be faithful to God by knowing our purpose. We need to test and approve God’s purpose in our life. If we do not design our life plan together with God, there’s a good chance we will fall into someone else’s plan that doesn’t maximize our potential.

Lord, we are thankful for the Holy Spirit that helps us filter out the bad of this world in order to be purified. The Holy Spirit inside makes it happen so what transpires makes a difference. Your goodness Lord produces faith, hope, and love. So today, we pray in Jesus’ name and say “yes” to the helper that makes a significant difference as we bring glory to You Lord. Amen.

*Jokes for days. (2021). Funny Editor – Jokes for Days. https://www.funnyeditor.com

Posted in Bible Study, Purpose | Tagged Bible Study, enthusiasm, Faith, Hope, Love, Mysteries, Passion, Photo, Prayer, Purpose, Spirit, Worship | 2 Comments

Direction and Protection

Posted on July 23, 2023 by Mark Shields

A devotional thought from reading Psalm 68:1-18 is that God’s divine design provides direction and protection as we walk by faith along the Way.

Index of devotionals

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

Posted in Thoughts From Devotional | Tagged Advantages, Devotional, Direction, enthusiasm, Faith, Optimism, Praise, Protection, victory | 4 Comments

Poetry Friday 07-21-2023

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Mark Shields

A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by “Bridge the Gap” which reminded us of the unjust suffering that Jesus went through for our salvation. He is our example to follow when we contend with difficulties. Many times, we face unjust suffering for taking actions that do not fit what out of touch authorities say to do. We are controlled with regulation, censorship, or suppression.

Today’s song Carry Me by Josh Wilson is about handling the difficulties we face by letting God carry us out of the situation. We can contend with these difficulties and be sharpened with fortitude, endurance, and wisdom. The effect is growth, energy, and gained experience that enables greater depth in ministry to others.