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

The Textbook To The Course

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Mark Shields

We continue to participate in the school of wisdom by using the Bible as the textbook to the course. Today, we are in 2 Samuel 20.

This day with God, the victory is in our grasp if we keep going when things get difficult, listen for guidance, and follow directions to solve issues that come up. There is a rebellious heart in all, but it can be changed by grace so let us always be reminded of God’s plan for us and take each opportunity to move into action as we apply our faith.

We know from our past study that there was a rivalry between Israel and Judah which complicated things for David. In today’s passage, we read about a troublemaker named Sheba who took advantage of this disunity. The men of Israel were lacking in discernment and let Sheba convince them to desert David and follow him.

Amasa was told by David to get together the men of Judah quickly and organize the army but Amasa dragged his feet. So David sent his commander named Joab along with some men out to pursue Sheba. Joab met up with Amasa and killed him for his lack of urgency to the matter at hand.

Joab and the men in pursuit of Sheba came to the city named Abel Beth Maakah. They were trying to tear down the wall of the city when a wise woman spoke to Joab to find out why they wanted to take siege of the city. Once she found out that Joab wanted Sheba dead, she had information to formulate a plan to kill Sheba (v. 21). This satisfied Joab and they dispersed from the city since David’s kingship was no longer in danger.

Like the wise woman, Let us seek always to be people that are willing to ask questions and find practical solutions to the issues we face.

This day with You Lord, help us to spot opportunities and take action quickly. You have given us the plan, but it is up to us to notice the urgency to carry this plan out. There are wise people we can get help from. As we walk with the wise today, we have confidence that each step will be in the direction towards a brighter future. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Wisdom | Tagged Bible Study, Directions, Discernment, Faith, Guidance, Information, Plan, Prayer, Wisdom | 2 Comments

Poetry Friday 01-27-2022

Posted on January 27, 2023 by Mark Shields

A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the post Focus on the Way which pointed out that once Joshua died, the Israelites lacked leadership and lost their way. The judges helped the people to understand the Way of the Lord but upon the death of a judge, the people would fall back to their destructive habits.

Today, we have the Bible to instruct us in the Way. We also have the example of Jesus who showed us the Way and the Holy Spirit to provide the power to follow the Way.

Here is a video of our leader today. Enjoy the song Here is our King by David Crowder Band. The Way of Jesus gets us back on track, helps fix our eyes on what is important, and to be the people we need to be with total focus on an eternal paradise beyond what could be imagined.

Posted in Poems | Tagged Amazing, Destiny, Focus, Leadership, Music, poem, Praise, Worship | Leave a comment

Goodness From A Good Heart

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Mark Shields

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. – Luke 6:45

When I think of goodness from a good heart, I get the picture of Lincoln after the Civil war and during reconstruction. It is during times of conflict that we need to pray, stay on God’s path, and trust in God’s care.

One lesson from “Our Words During Confrontation“ is that when there is conflict in the situations we go through, have faith that God has everything in control. Maintain composure, say what needs to be said, and try to get everyone on the same page.

The lyrics to the song Words by Hawk Nelson has some of these same thoughts in mind. Words can build us up or break us down. Have an amazing day as Holy Spirit prompts you in the words you say!

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Tact | Tagged Conflict, Confrontation, Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Forgiveness, Praise, Rivalry, Tact, Unity, victory, Worship | 1 Comment

Our Words During Confrontation

Posted on January 25, 2023 by Mark Shields

Reading today in 2 Samuel 19, there is much confrontation. During confrontation, the words we use carry so much power because they can build up or tear down. Using the right words can give a lift in a time of need. Using the wrong words can cause people to go their separate ways and cause disunity.

Instead of celebrating a victory gained in a war, we note that David was mourning the death of Absalom his son who was killed in the battle. Things don’t always work out how we want and that’s when we need someone that will lift us up or set us straight instead of bringing us further down. That person for David was Joab who confronted David about his downcast mood.

Joab advised David to go out and thank his men for their hard fought victory. To give them encouragement or else they may feel as though David didn’t appreciate them and leave by nightfall (v. 7). One lesson from today’s passage is that when there is conflict created in the situations we go through, have faith that God has everything in control. Maintain composure, say what needs to be said, and try to get everyone on the same page.

Another issue faced is the national problem that we note in today’s passage because Israel had anointed Absalom as king. There was arguing among themselves (v. 9). Also, there was a rivalry between Israel and Judah which complicated things even further. It is during times of conflict that we should pray, stay on God’s path, and trust in God’s care.

This day with You Lord, we need a heart of faith, the courage to confront others but have a forgiving heart. We ask today, that in our confrontations, we say what needs to be said in a tactful way. Help us give advice and guidance in a loving way so what You want is carried out. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Tact | Tagged Bible Study, Conflict, Confrontation, Encouragement, Faith, Forgiveness, Prayer, Rivalry, Tact, Unity, victory | 5 Comments

Accept The Help

Posted on January 24, 2023 by Mark Shields

Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. – Psalm 60:11-12

David and his son Absalom were at war. We noted the character of David in “Love is the Key”. He was willing to accept the help of his men. To take their advice and not let self-pride get in the way. On the other hand, David’s son Absalom let self-pride control his decisions.

This day with God, take the pressure off yourself and accept the help. Let’s begin by listening to the song My Victory by Crowder and make the words from the lyrics your words. Remember love is the key. Use this key to open up your thinking today. Say to yourself throughout this day that Jesus’s love bled for me. A cross meant to kill is my victory!